The Charleston Job Corps Center (CJCC), operating under Horizons Youth Services (HYS), recognized Red Ribbon Week during Monday Business Meeting on October 23, 2017. Student Desmond Baker spoke to about 200 fellow students and staff regarding the national campaign, drug free pledge, and program activities. A short video was played regarding Red Ribbon Week.

According to the website, www.redribbon.org “The National Family Partnership organized the first Nationwide Red Ribbon Campaign. In response to the murder of DEA Agent Enrique Camarena, angered parents and youth in communities across the country began wearing Red Ribbons as a symbol of their commitment to raise awareness of the killing and destruction caused by drugs in America.” The campaign is officially observed October 23-27, 2017 and has touched millions of people, increased awareness, and encouraged drug free pledges across the nation since inception.

Students and staff will receive red keys to commemorate the Red Ribbon Week theme: “Your Future is Key So Stay Drug Free.” S.A.D.D. (Students Against Destructive Decisions) Chapter students will place red bows around trees and display posters throughout the center. A special thanks to Camilla Neal and Peggy Cooper for making the red bows. If you are interested in supporting the center’s SADD Chapter, please contact SADD Advisor, Tia Welch, Business Community Liaison at (304) 925-3200.

Job Corps is a no-cost education and career technical training program administered by the U.S. Department of Labor that helps young people ages 16-24 improve the quality of their lives through career technical and academic training. The Charleston Job Corps Center is overseen by the Philadelphia Regional Office of Job Corps and is operated by Horizons Youth Services.