Stories of HopeStories of Hope

Region 1 - Counties: Fayette, Greenbrier, McDowell, Mercer, Monroe, Nicholas, Pocahontas, Raleigh, Summers, Webster, Wyoming Region 7 - Counties: Berkeley, Grant, Hampshire, Hardy, Jefferson, Mineral, Morgan, Pendleton Region 6 - Counties: Barbour, Braxton, Doddridge, Gilmer, Harrison, Lewis, Marion, Monongalia, Preston, Randolph, Taylor, Tucker, Upshur Region 5 - Counties: Brooke, Hancock, Marshall, Ohio, Tyler, Wetzel Region 3 - Kanawha County Region 3 - Kanawha County Region 4 - Counties: Calhoun, Clay, Jackson, Mason, Pleasants, Ritchie, Roane, Wirt, Wood Region 2 - Counties: Boone, Cabell, Lincoln, Logan, Mingo, Putnam, Wayne

Region 6

Braxton County

One Braxton County participant had a full-time job when I met him but lost his driver’s license due to an alcohol DUI. His father had to drive him to and from work daily and it hindered his ability to accept overtime. Since getting his driver’s license back, he is able to accept more overtime and is being promoted in early 2021, which will give him a very large increase in pay. He would not have been able to get his license back for several more years had he not gotten enrolled in Jobs & Hope and would have been stuck in a low wage job for a lot longer.

Lisa Reed, Transition Agent
Harrison County

One Harrison County participant says “My transition agent and the Jobs & Hope program has been amazing. I just completed the Heavy Equipment Operator training through the WV National Guard, and it was an excellent experience. I believe when spring comes, I will have opportunities open up to be employed. In being in this training, I have found my passion and really do want to be employed in this field. In addition, all of this has been possible due to getting my driver’s license back through Jobs & Hope. I owe most of my success to my Transition Agent and Jobs & Hope.”

Shannon Carnes, Transition Agent
Lewis County

One Lewis County participant says “Jobs & Hope WV is a great program to have on your side. I wish it was offered to me, before my life went bad, but I am glad it is here now. I believe it could have helped a lot if it would have been offered sooner.”

Shannon Carnes, Transition Agent
Monongalia County

Upon entering the Jobs & Hope program this individual wanted to go to school to be a traffic flagger. I put him through the WIN Job readiness modules, and he did excellent with excel. He was employed at Burger King making minimum wage. I convinced him to apply at JW Ruby Memorial Hospital. Although he is a part time employee, he’s quit Burger King and is working full time hours at WVUH. We are working on getting him hired full time. Justin has paid his outstanding fines and has passed the written part of the drivers’ test. He will be on the road as soon as he takes the driving part, all thanks to a stay that was placed on his citations, thanks to Jobs and Hope program. Justin is now exploring education in other areas. He says “Jobs & Hope has been here to help him every step of the way. Very appreciative!”

Marc Jackson, Transition Agent
Preston County

A Preston County participant was referred to the Jobs & Hope program and had lost his job due to losing his driver license. I encouraged him to go to Preston Sr. Citizens to work on his resume, and while he was there, he got into a conversation with the staff. They wanted to hire him but not having a drivers’ license was a roadblock. We discussed the matter, and I wrote a referral to DMV. He is currently enrolled in a safety and treatment program and will be eligible for a stay on his license upon completion. We have begun exploring technical training for when he is able to drive.

Marc Jackson, Transition Agent
Randolph County

One Randolph County Jobs & Hope participant was living in the homeless shelter with no job or transportation when he was referred to Jobs & Hope. He had lost his kids and was in the middle of a divorce. His Transition Agent suggested he apply to Armstrong Hardwood Flooring and then drove him to two interviews. He was hired into a good paying job. Through a referral to the DMV, he received his driver’s license back as well as his CDL reinstated. He was able to move into a condo and purchase a vehicle, as well as making payments on his citations. He was granted full custody of his four children after he was on his feet again. He will also be going to the dentist soon for the first time in quite some time.

Lisa Reed, Transition Agent
Tucker County

One Tucker County Jobs & Hope participant, participates in the Randolph County Adult Drug Court and requested help with his driver’s license and guidance with education. He was able to resolve his DMV issues and purchase a vehicle on his own. Although he previously attended WVU, he was very unsure of how to go about getting back into college. Jobs & Hope provided guidance to complete the FAFSA, apply to Davis & Elkins College, set up a time for both of us to tour the campus and meet with financial aid and admission representatives, explained his financial aid package to him and told him how to accept his loans, order and submit transcripts, and ensured his classes were lined up and he was ready for his first day of classes. He is doing well as a college freshman.

Lisa Reed, Transition Agent
Upshur County

Upon completion of PRS training, one Upshur County Jobs & Hope participant had several job interviews lined up and two job offers within a month. She was offered both jobs and chose to work with the sober living environment. She enjoys her job very much and feels she is playing a vital role in the lives of people who were where she was years ago. She is now engaged and getting married in the spring.

Lisa Reed, Transition Agent
JobsAndHope@wv.gov   |   833-784-1385   |   304-583-4008
JobsAndHope@wv.gov
833-784-1385
304-583-4008