ECWDB Success Stories

Excelled

Matthew Sasser : Adult Success Story

Matthew Sasser came into the Career Center the summer of 2012 with a letter of acceptance into the Nursing Program at Wayne Community College in Goldsboro, NC.  He was unemployed and had a desire to become a nurse. 

He had taken the prerequisite courses at Wayne Community College on his owe and began the Registered Nursing program in August 2012.  Matthew excelled in his clinicals at the hospital and on May 9, 2014, received his degree in Nursing.  After passing his NCLEX, he became a Registered Nurse.

Matthew now works as a Registered Nurse at Cherry Hospital in Goldsboro, NC and plans to return to UNC-Wilmington in the near future to obtain his Bachelors degree in Nursing.

From Unemployed to Full-time Position

Jennifer Wilson : Adult Success Story

Jennifer Wilson was unemployed and learned that she might be eligible for assistance with training through the Workforce Investment Act (WIA) program. With the assistance of the Workforce Investment Act, Jennifer earned her Practical Nursing Diploma in August 2014, from James Sprunt Community College.  

In October 2014, Jennifer accepted employment with Huntington Health Care in Burgaw as a Practical Nurse, where she provides patient care. She works 20 hours every other weekend. Jennifer also accepted employment as a Practical Nurse in December 2014 with Pender Alliance for Teen Health, a School Base Health Center located on the campus of Pender High School in Burgaw.  She provides medical services such as updating shots, sport physicals, labs, and medical care.  She works 40 hours a week.

Received her GED and CNA1 certification

Akiah Lyons : Adult Success Story

Akiah Lyons had not completed high school and was only interested in employment when she stopped in the Career Center to meet with the WIA Career Advisor.   After researching employment opportunities, Akiah decided to enter the Basic Skills Plus program at Craven Community College. The Basic Skills Plus program would allow Akiah to get her GED and Nurse Aide certification all at once.

The WIA program assisted Akiah with transportation, and within a few months she was placed in a work experience at the NCWorks Career Center Craven County, and did volunteer work at the Dowe Agency.

Ms. Lyons received her GED and CNA1 certification and is currently employed as a clerical assistant.  She is planning on returning to school for her CNA2.