Call to Action: Save Job Corps! Hearing the Success Stories from Students Who Attended the Job Corps Program Is Important!

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Maria Reynolds, Keystone Job Corps

Maria KJC "My name is Maria Reynolds. I am an LPN. When I was 22, I found myself raising my little girl alone, on welfare, working two jobs and hating the situation I was in. Then, with the help of my aunt who loyally works there since she graduated college, I found the Keystone Job Corps in Drums PA. I thank God every day for that program. They accepted me for their practical nursing program, bought me uniforms, helped with my 1-year-old daughters day care and educated me.

It was a difficult 14 months but with all the help from their staff and the government that funded it, I graduated! I am now 43 years old, a contributing member of society, no longer on welfare since I graduated, own my home, married and have worked since graduating. I proudly served 13 years at my local VA as the nurse for the post deployment intervention clinic. I would still be on welfare if it wasn’t for Job Corp. My little girl is now 21, at Catawba college in N.C. for her bachelors in registered nursing and a contributing member of society.

If I didn’t have that help from the Job Corp I would be living on welfare and I don’t know what type of life my daughter would have. This is an essential program. This program changes lives. Please do everything you can to keep it funded. The structure it provides to students who have never had that before is essential. The education it provides to students who would have never had the opportunity to go to school is essential. The staff at the Job Corps who care especially for students who have never been cared for is essential. This program is essential.

Safari Muyobe, Keystone

Safari KJC Safari’s story begins in Tanzania East Africa he came to the United States at 20 years old as a refugee. With ongoing struggles and continuous fear of living in Tanzania, his father decided to flee their homeland in hope of finding a better life. Their journey brought them to Lancaster pa when asked by the US immigration if they wanted to return to their home country Muyobe’s father said this is our home now.

After arriving in the United States Safari did not have a work background, a high school diploma or speak English. As a result, he could only land a dead-end manufacturing job. Wanting to better himself he enrolled in the pre apprenticeship painting program at Keystone Job Corps Center, just as Covid-19 shut everything down. During the shutdown Safari took the time to work on his English, so when the doors opened he was ready.

Safari excelled in the program and his academics, earning his high school diploma and finalizing his permanent US citizenship. Safari entered into the work-based learning program and worked with Postupack painting company in Wilkes Barre. He then went on to the Drywall finishing program and apprenticeship program in Washington DC.

During the 2023 Job Corps Leadership Summit, The Department of Labor and Job Corps recognized alumni during their Hall of Fame presentation. Key Rock Graduate, Safari Muyobe, was selected as the “2023 Successful Graduate Award.” Safari has been doing an amazing job and has received accolades from his local union.

Brittney Pierce, Keystone

Brittany KJC Before coming to Key Rock, I was working full time as a home health aide. I was introduced to Job Corps program by my counselor at my high school. I chose my trade as a medical assistant because I have always been interested in the medical field, and I was interest in furthering my education. I graduated High School in 2021. Throughout my stay at Job Corps, I held a full-time job so I didn’t have time for extracurricular activities although I was a part of the SGA. In SGA I was the mayor of the girl’s dorm and then later went on to be a dorm officer at our welcoming dorm.

I am currently employed at Step By Step as a psych rehab counselor where I make $17 an hour. I am planning to pursue additional education to receive multiple certifications in the mental health field. Job Corps provide me with structure and time management as I was able to work full-time while attending all my classes on center. Since leaving Key Rock my life has improved tremendously, I have my own apartment and car.