Jobs & Hope WV Transition Agents Support Inaugural WVSILC Regional Youth Transition Fair at Blackwater Falls State Park

By: Matthew Holstein

DAVIS, W.Va. — Jobs & Hope WV proudly participated in the first-ever Regional Youth Transition Fair hosted by the West Virginia Statewide Independent Living Council (WVSILC) on May 21, 2025, at Blackwater Falls State Park. Transition Agents Erin Gaertner, Nikki Cowles, and Leah Hall—serving Regions 6 and 7—were on site to support youth navigating the path to adulthood through career exploration, education opportunities, and independent living resources.

The event brought together more than 100 students, staff, and agency representatives from Tucker, Pendleton, and Preston counties, including participants from the Kenneth “Honey” Rubenstein Center. It marked a significant milestone in WVSILC’s effort to empower young West Virginians with disabilities and other barriers by connecting them with hands-on experiences and future planning resources in a welcoming and inclusive environment.

Agent Erin Gaertner, who has served on the WVSILC board since her gubernatorial appointment in July 2024, played a vital role in helping organize the fair. Her involvement highlights Jobs & Hope WV’s continued commitment to collaboration and outreach that enhances opportunities for youth across the state.

“This event was about showing young people what’s possible,” Gaertner said. “Whether it’s job training, higher education, or learning to live independently, we want them to know there is a network of people and programs ready to support their journey.”

More than a dozen agencies and organizations participated, including:

· Jobs & Hope WV

· Division of Rehabilitative Services

· Eastern WV Community & Technical College

· WVU Center for Excellence in Disabilities

· Region 6 Workforce Investment Board

· Potomac Valley Transit Authority

· Future Generations University

· West Virginia Department of Economic Development

· West Virginia DMV

· WV State Treasurer’s Office – WVABLE Program

· Access on the Go

· West Virginia Association of Rehabilitation Facilities (WVARF)

· Blackwater Falls State Park

· West Virginia Statewide Independent Living Council

Students were welcomed by Blackwater Falls Superintendent Ben Leedom and Assistant Superintendent Joe Emmerth, who shared information on careers and seasonal opportunities within the state park system. Additional remarks were given by Town of Davis Mayor Alan Tomson. Lunch was provided by The Smokehouse at Blackwater Falls.

The fair served not only as a resource hub but also as a testament to the role of public lands in promoting accessibility and opportunity. A few student attendees are already employed at Blackwater Falls, demonstrating the potential for early workforce integration and inclusive hiring.

Jobs & Hope WV is honored to be part of this growing effort to connect youth with the tools they need for long-term success and will continue working with partners like WVSILC to break down barriers across the Mountain State.