CASSADAGA - The Cassadaga Job Corps Academy is proud of its program, its staff and its students.
CJCA works very hard to help its students succeed academically and give them "real life" experiences in the world of work, personal life skills and community service.
CJCA welcomes people and organizations who provide services to their students. Some of these organizations and volunteers are members of the Community Relations Council for Job Corps. The group meets periodically for dinner. Typically at the dinners, updates are given by Ann Anderson, the Academy Director and members of the staff to keep the council up-to-date. Usually, students will speak about their experiences or are honored for achievements.
At the end of the dinner, people from organizations may explain about their coming events. Networking also takes place.
Recently, CJCA held an event to honor people and/or organizations who have helped the students. Instead of the usual evening event, the event was held in the afternoon so that people who normally couldn't attend the dinner had an opportunity to attend.
Adam Dolce, business and community liaison welcomed those attending. Ann Anderson updated the audience. She expressed pride in the fact that the center in Cassadaga was rated the top center of those run by Career Development Systems.
Student government president, Shattiana Martin, also welcomed those attending.
Honored were: The United Way VITA program, which helped the students prepare their income taxes; Linda Dunn from the Interfaith Holocaust Committee which invited students to its program; Rev. Cheni Khonje from the Presbyterian Church in Dunkirk who has been a speaker at graduations; Dr. Minda Rae Amiran from the Chautauqua County League of Women Voters who helped students understand the voting process and exercise their right to vote; the Learning Center on Central Avenue which has helped improve the English of students from foreign countries; The Striders Program at Northern Chautauqua Boys' and Girls' Club; Dave Johnson who has introduced the students to the 'Dream it! Do it!' program which focuses on skilled manufacturing jobs; Diane Chodan from the OBSERVER who has covered stories in which students are involved; and Chief Stan Kelley from the LilyDale Fire Department for his work with the students on safety.
Comments on this article may be directed to dchodan@observertoday.com
