Region 4
Jimi Braswell is a Jobs & Hope WV graduate who joined the program as a participant in recovery. With the help of various organizations that partner with Jobs & Hope WV, Braswell was able to get his driver’s license back and gain access to materials, tools, education and training that enabled him to start his own business.
In 2022, he launched Clean NRG Solar Recovery, a solar design and installation company in the Mid-Ohio Valley. Braswell uses the training he received as a Jobs & Hope WV participant and his experience as an electrician and contractor to offer clean, sustainable and affordable energy solutions and electrical work to his community.
As a member of the recovery community, Braswell has first-hand experience of the importance of a meaningful career. This influences him and his company to offer prevailing wages and flexible work hours. Braswell hired two other Jobs & Hope WV participants, Randy Peffer and Jacob Mason, to his company and allowed them to have a rewarding career and contribute to their community too. Braswell’s story shows how Jobs & Hope WV can create a cycle of opportunity and recovery for West Virginians.
As an employer, Braswell has access to multiple incentives Jobs & Hope WV offers, including the Jobs & Hope WV WorkForce Employment Program. This collaboration between Jobs & Hope WV, WorkForce West Virginia and the West Virginia Military Authority offers subsidized job placement for West Virginia employers who hire Jobs & Hope WV participants. Benefits of the program include salary reimbursement for wages up to 1,040 hours up to $25,000 per employee, free drug screening and additional support services through a Jobs & Hope WV transition agent.
Wade, an inspiring participant, has triumphed over several barriers on his journey. Just before joining Jobs & Hope WV, he secured his HSE with Jackson County Adult Ed. Wade then, as a participant, went on to complete his Class A CDL through Roane Jackson Technical, funded by WIOA. Despite past justice involvement that doesn’t meet expungement eligibility, Wade has secured full-time employment with WV DOT as a dedicated transportation worker. Wade utilized vital partners, such as Adult Education for his HSE, WIOA for training funds, and Roane Jackson Technical for CDL training. His story exemplifies resilience and determination in the face of adversity.
Ben, a Jobs & Hope WV participant, is overcoming obstacles to education and employment. He completed his PRSS Certification at Blueridge Technical and is pursuing a Regents Bachelor of Arts degree at WVUP. Ben has secured a job with Community Resources Inc through our Wage Reimbursement program, where he manages their Community Feeding Greenhouse program. He cultivates high tunnel crops, hydroponics, and outdoor garden space for CRI. Besides his role at CRI, Ben works at Recovery Point of Parkersburg, where he aims to advance in the Recovery Industry”
Jimi, a graduate from the Jobs & Hope program, gained access to education, materials, tools, and his driver’s license as a program participant. He then founded Clean NRG Solar Recovery, a solar design and installation company in the Mid-Ohio Valley. In addition, Jimi recently hired a Jobs & Hope participant, creating a full circle of opportunity and recovery for fellow West Virginians!”
A Jobs & Hope WV participant overcame barriers caused by her substance use disorder, with the help of Jobs and Hope WV. She graduated from Mountain State College and now works as an Intake Coordinator for Harmony Ridge Recovery Center, where she helps others find freedom from substance use. Katie credits Jobs and Hope WV for being a massive part of her story and success. She is grateful for the opportunity to obtain meaningful employment and to give back to her community. She hopes to inspire others struggling with substance use disorder to start their journey with Jobs & Hope WV.”
A Jobs & Hope participant was trapped in a cycle of substance use disorder that made her life unmanageable, but she was determined to turn her life around. Jobs & Hope WV provided the participant free career training, certification programs, scholarship opportunities, and expungement services. As a result, the participant is now a PRSS through the QRT (Quick Response Team) and a supportive counselor at Harmony Ridge Recovery Center. She is also pursuing a bachelor’s degree at WVUP with a 3.28 GPA. The participant is grateful for the resources and people that have been part of her journey, especially Jobs & Hope WV, which gave her the confidence to excel and overcome her barriers. “
A Jobs & Hope participant worked through their Transition Agent to obtain a Transportation Worker Identification Credential for Maritime work and is in the process of locating independent housing. He completed OSHA training and has $250 left to pay towards getting his driver’s license back. After finding out he was hired for his new job “I’m so excited to start this, I couldn’t have done it without Jobs & Hope.”
Participant came into the program with little to no work experience. She completed Paid Work Experience through Workforce WV program and then transitioned into full time employment through Division of Rehabilitation Services. Participant is still enrolled with Adult Education and working on earning Computer Certifications.
“Jobs & Hope WV removed my own self-doubt by encouraging me, sending referrals to DMV and WVUP and helping me take the first steps I needed to overcome my barriers! I am registered for spring semester, and I just finished this semester with a 3.62 GPA. I started out as a felon in drug court, and I felt hopeless, Jobs & Hope has changed my whole outlook and I am headed toward a career in a $90,000 a year industry!”
