Centralina NextGen Youth Uses Services To Help Turn Her Life Around
Jun 05, 2019
Maria Hernandez-Alvarez, a 17-year old entered the NCWorks Career Center-Union in Monroe last fall seeking a change in her life. As a high school dropout with little to no work experience, it was difficult for Maria to find employment.
Tiara Butchee, Centralina WDB NextGen Specialist at the NCWorks Career Center-Union evaluated Maria’s needs, delivered career counseling, and provided guidance to assist in determining next steps.
Informed and inspired, Maria enrolled at Central Piedmont Community College to finish her high school diploma and began taking further steps to improve her work readiness skills by attending center workshops, as well as delivering a presentation at the quarterly Centralina WDB NextGen Council meeting to improve her public speaking.
She also volunteered to help NCWorks Career Center team members with the Centralina Annual Day of Giving at the Christmas Bureau in Monroe. Additionally, she attended the 13th Annual NC Youth Summit in Cary this past April.
Maria and Butchee discussed the adversities and personal challenges she faced prior to enrolling in NextGen services, including issues with anxiety and academic struggles with her schoolwork.
Despite all her trials, on May 16, 2019, Maria earned her Adult High School Diploma from Central Piedmont Community College, graduating as a National Honor Society member.
At her graduation, Maria's grandmother indicated her granddaughter has done a complete turnaround noting that Maria is up and prepared for her NextGen work experience every morning and is truly enjoying seeing Maria build confidence in herself and developing relationships in her role working at the Monroe Manor Assisted Living Facility.
“Maria is truly a testimony of an individual who took full advantage of her resources and services available through NCWorks Centralina. Centralina WDB NextGen Services was the perfect solution to assist in her quest to reach self-sufficiency,” said Butchee.
Maria will be attending South Piedmont Community College this fall to obtain her Nurse Aide-I Certification.
Because of the exceptional feedback from her work experience, she will be considered for part-time placement at the assisted living facility upon completion of her education. For more information on Centralina WDB NextGen services, visit www.centralinaworkforce.com.
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