The Charleston Job Corps Center (CJCC) operating under Horizons Youth Services (HYS) held its third annual Student Mother’s Day Celebration on Friday, May 8, 2015 at 2:30 p.m. in the Center Director’s Conference Room. Tia Welch, Business Community Liaison has hosted this event since 2013 for the student mothers with guest speakers from the community.

The purpose of the event is to celebrate motherhood and inspire the young ladies to complete their academic and career technical training to become self-sufficient and provide for their families. Welch opened by saying, “The role of a mother is very important and not to be taken lightly.”

Willie Brown, Center Director stated, “This is one of my favorite events, because it makes me think of my own mother who lives in Georgia and all the valuable lessons she taught me over the years.” Camilla Neal, Records Supervisor and Tena Jones, Executive Secretary read poems entitled “When God created Mothers” by Erma Bombeck and “Your Mother is always with you” author unknown.

The center’s guest speaker was Sandra Blaney, owner of San’s Hair Loft and Pastor of Christian Education at Heart of God Ministries, Beckley WV. “You’re blessed to be here to get an education and training to take care of your children” said Blaney. She challenged the students to complete their training and recruit youth 16-24 who need the program. “You can help another young person to better their life by coming to Job Corps” she stated. Blaney used personal experiences and illustrations throughout her presentation that related with the young ladies. Her closing comments to the young mothers were “Love your children. Be a leader and an example, because they are watching you.”

Students asked several questions regarding motherhood, parenting and dealing with challenges. The student female mothers honored were Tiara Mosley, Lorrita King, Renee Owens, Andrean Bryan, Kiara Meekins, Gabrielle McCulley, Joule Thomas, Makayla Robinson and Priscilla Torres.