WNC, career training agency JOIN forces to transform lives
Courtesy Steve Yingling, Western Nevada College
Eliminating barriers and providing more access to higher education and career training have enabled JOIN Inc. and Western Nevada College to help many people over the years.
The similarity in the community partners’ goals have enabled them to train clients in occupations that have a higher rate of employment in Northern Nevada. These clients come from a variety of employment backgrounds: underskilled, unemployed, impoverished and others seeking a new career. The partnership allows people to re-establish themselves quickly through WNC’s accelerated and certification-driven courses.
JOIN is funded by Northern Nevada’s Workforce Development Board — Nevadaworks. It has most recently been assisting participants in WNC’s new ROADS program with resumé development assistance, interviewing skills and job placement assistance.
“JOIN and WNC’s ROADS Program are currently working together to support three students through the final stretch of their respective programs. We work together by being an open and easily successful point of contact for the students and help them with the costs of their schooling and supplies with financial support,” said Michael Boreham, Workforce Development Liaison for WNC’s ROADS Program.
“The communication and all-around level of effort exuded on a daily basis by the JOIN team is truly inspiring. I am excited to continue to grow and strengthen this partnership and I know our students are, too.”
JOIN’s belief in WNC’s mission of providing greater access to higher education and training has inspired the non-profit agency to support WNC Foundation’s fifth annual fundraiser: The Reach for the Stars Gala.
“As partners, Western Nevada College and JOIN Inc. are able to support equitable access to educational opportunities that enrich the lives of many. WNC’s mission and vision align closely with our own, as we both work together to eliminate barriers to education and foster a community of lifelong learners,” said Denise L. Castle, Chief Executive Officer, JOIN Inc. Training Nevadans for Careers.
JOIN is providing a $5,000 sponsorship of the Reach for the Stars Gala, which is set for Saturday, Aug. 13 in Joe Dini Library on the Carson City campus. WNC Foundation Executive Director Niki Gladys appreciates that JOIN and Western share the same position about the importance of higher education and how it can transform lives.
“JOIN’s dedication to helping their clients become students at Western has demonstrated what kind of an impact community partners can make when working together,” Gladys said. “JOIN’s support will help us continue to provide students with life-changing training and education that will strengthen the Northern Nevada workforce and provide individuals and families with more prosperous futures.”
Since 1996, JOIN has served as Northern Nevada’s career training agency, providing free occupational training courses to eligible residents in 13 counties. Clients also receive coaching in resumé development, interview techniques and in obtaining full-time employment in their communities.
The fifth annual Reach for the Stars Gala is nearly sold out. For ticket availability, call WNC Foundation Office at 775-445-3240 or by going to wnc.edu/foundation/reach-for-the-stars/.
To learn more about JOIN, visit the Carson City office at 716 N. Carson St., Suite 108. For more information, phone 775-283-0125 or go to www.join.org. To learn more about becoming a student at WNC, phone 775-445-3277.