In an effort to inform the public of the kinds of services it offers, Snowshoe Career Center held an open house May 9.
Snowshoe Mountain Resort community liaison manager and Snowshoe Foundation executive director Jessica Stump said the day was meant to give the community a chance to meet the people who have offices at the center and the resources provided by each entity.
“Today is a rediscover day for the Snowshoe Career Center, so we’re inviting all community members, businesses, pretty much everybody to come down and see what we have to offer,” Stump said. “They can come in and if [they are looking for] an on the job kind of training, we’ll put them in contact with whoever they need to work with on that. If we’re not offering something that they would maybe want to see as far as career development, let us know so we can try to work it in and try to get it in here.”
Entities using the center as a base in Pocahontas County include the Division of Rehabilitation Services, Adult Basic Education/ SPOKES, Region 1 WorkForce West Virginia, Pocahontas County Prevention Coalition, Pocahontas County Chamber of Commerce and Snowshoe Mountain Resort.
Individuals from each organization were on-hand to explain the services they provide.
Division of Rehabilitation Services, represented by Ginny Ramos and Jamie Lafferty, serves West Virginians with disabilities and operates two major programs – vocational rehabilitation program and the disability determination section.
Adult Basic Education and SPOKES is coordinated by Vanessa Clay. Both programs, as well as the GED test give individuals an opportunity to improve their education and reach for higher learning goals.
Region 1 WorkForce West Virginia, represented by Angela Henson, Robin Morgan and Sarah Hawkins, connects businesses with people searching for jobs and provides on the job training.
Pocahontas County Prevention Coalition, led by Cheryl Jonese, organizes programs to educate students on the dangers of prescription drug abuse, illegal drugs and the negative affects of tobacco use. The Prevention Coalition is most known for the “Warriors Above the Influence” posters featuring students from Pocahontas County High School.
The Pocahontas County Chamber of Commerce employee Linda Simmons provided information on the chamber, a way for local businesses to work together for the betterment of the county.
Snowshoe Mountain Resort recruiting manager Kelly Morrison was on hand with job applications and information on seasonal and year-round positions available at the resort.
The Career Center opened in 2007 in the building that now houses The Pocahontas Times. Services expanded and the center outgrew its walls and in 2010, it moved to its current location on the corner of Main Street and Second Avenue.
Suzanne Stewart may be contacted at sastewart@pocahontastimes.com