A Day of Giving--the Centralina Way

Centralina WDB NCWorks Career Centers Give Back to Communities

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As many families across America gear up for this holiday season,the Centralina Workforce Development Board and its NCWorks Career Centers participated in the holiday cheer on Friday,November 17,2017 through the second annual "Centralina Day of Giving"."

The NCWorks Career Centers (Anson,Cabarrus,Mooresville-Iredell,Statesville-Iredell,Lincoln,Rowan,Stanly,and Union counties) were closed for half a day to allow staff to participate in this regional event and give back to their communities.

The purpose of the Centralina Day of Giving was to provide an opportunity for the NCWorks Career Center teams to spend time together outside their normal environment to help their community in a visible way." Additionally,this allowed for a deeper connection with existing community partners and provided a connection with some new partners."This year was the second annual Centralina Day of Giving. "Over the past few years,great strides have been made regarding the integration of staff in the Centralina NCWorks Career Centers." The Centralina Day of Giving was developed in conjunction with the NCWorks Career Center Leaders to further build the sense of team within each Center."""The"date in November between Veterans Day and Thanksgiving has been an ideal time to hold the"event"to take advantage of"increased awareness and to give back"during the"fall holiday season."

The Centers participated in a variety of community service projects in each county." The locations included the following:

• NCWorks Career Center-Anson worked with the Burnsville Learning Center helping students with reading and task around the afterschool program.
• NCWorks Career Center-Cabarrus worked with the Cabarrus Fire Department reviewing safety check lists,completing the HFC Service Acknowledgement,and installing and assisting firefighters with installation of smoke alarms.
• NCWorks Career Center-Mooresville went to the Winnie Hopper Center to prepare and feed afterschool program students a Thanksgiving meal.
• NCWorks Career Center-Statesville went to Special Treasures Store, a store benefitting the Children’s Home of Iredell County. The Executive Director of this establishment is Brenda Speece,a Centralina WDB Board Member." NCWorks Career Center-Statesville staff priced and cleaned items in the store and place the items for sale while some provided a session on how to be prepared for an interview to the young adults who work in the store.
• NCWorks Career Center-Lincoln went to the Habitat Restore to set up and organize Christmas lights and trees.
• NCWorks Career Center-Rowan held their day of giving at Rowan Helping Ministries working in the clothing pantry. The staff went through clothes piece by piece sorting and placing the items out for those in need."

The initial purpose of the event was to provide a team-building activity while furthering community partnerships.""The NCWorks Career Centers are one of the best kept secrets in their communities and any opportunity to promote the Centralina Workforce Development Board,the NCWorks Career Centers and"the quality individuals that are on staff"is a benefit.

"I would like to see the event take on a more regional approach in the future by bringing the teams together to participate in a larger effort that would allow for higher visibility," said Ken McCoy, Project Director of Centralina Workforce Services.

McCoy said potentially the Centers will continue this effort in years to come as it fosters a sense of team across the counties.

For more information about the services at the NCWorks Career Centers visit our website at www.centralinaworkforce.com."

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