Fifteen Brockton area residents from Cape Verde and Haiti graduated from the English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) for Employment program on April 30 at the HarborOne MultiCultural Banking Center.

Standing before their classmates and collaborating agency representatives, the graduates expressed their thanks and shared how the program had improved their lives.

“Since I have had an excellent experience, I am so happy and proud that I took the class,” said Taylena Almeida.

“Now I feel more open to people in my class and now you are challenging me to do more and more for myself,” said Audine Gene.

Idalina Tamulevich thanked teacher, Ruth O’Brien Denly saying, “She encouraged us to never give up our dreams and made us feel confident and strong to go forward.”

Denly notes that Idalina has big dreams. One day in class she asked what “CEO” stood for. When she found out, Idalina responded, “That’s what I want to be!”

Also graduating were Maria Andrade, Joao Barbosa, Maria Fernandes, Ronald Denejuste, Filomena Galvao, Martinho Gomes, Jacinto Miranda, Michel Poteau, Jacinto Rodrigues, Noemia Rodrigues, Carlo Thevenin, and Domingos Veiga.

Sheila Sullivan-Jardim, Executive Director of the Brockton Area Workforce Investment Board, which sponsored the program, congratulated the graduates.

"You have taken a huge step," she said. "BAWIB wants to help individuals reach toward the next step to build a successful career path." 

Barbora Hazuková, TRA South Shore Regional Manager, noted that when she came to America 16 years ago from the Czech Republic she felt shy that people wouldn't understand her accent. "Now I have confidence to speak in front of you," she said, encouraging them to speak English at home.

"I know first hand the challenges and struggles to do the simple things you were able to do back at home. You have chosen the hard road to get the tools you need to help you succeed," said Aguilando Fonseca, HarborOne Credit Union Vice President/ MultiCultural Banking Center Director, also an immigrant from Cape Verde. He hoped the students would continue their studies with other courses at MBC in banking and citizenship.

MBC and TRA had collaborated on the 12-week program, MBS providing recruitment, classroom space and refreshments and TRA providing the instructors and curriculum. Students attended class at MBC two days a week and used TRA computers one day a week.

Domingos Veiga echoed the sentiments of all concerned when he concluded his remarks by saying, "I hope this door continues to be open for other people in the same way it was opened for us."

Indeed program funding has been renewed.

Group photo caption: ESOL for Employment students and teachers celebrate their graduation. Student photo caption: Audine Gene speaks at the ceremony.

TRA’s Certified Nurse Aide Program in Holyoke graduated eleven students on Friday, May 9, 2008. Receiving certificates were: Latrese Atkins, Tanyka Barnett, Gladys Diaz, Jessica Garafolo, Megan Latorre, Martha Ramos, Gypsy Rivera, Vanessa Sanchez, Helena Tuitt, Analda Velazquez, and Katiuska Zapata.

The eight-week program included intensive classroom, lab, clinical and work readiness training, as well as job placement assistance. In order to graduate, students also had to pass the Massachusetts State CNA exam.

“As we close the program this year, I am happy to announce that ALL our clients passed this state examination. I want to thank all the participants who made this goal a reality,” said Desiree Leclair, TRA Western Massachusetts Regional Manager.

Speaking at the ceremony, Martha Ramos said, "Thanks to all of the people that were there beside me. I realized that I was completely capable of achieving my goal and this is only the beginning.”

The program is a collaborative venture between TRA-Holyoke and Wingate Healthcare in West Springfield, MA, where participants get a real-world understanding of the career they are pursuing. The nursing home provides classroom space and equipment and serves as the host for the clinical training component. TRA-Holyoke manages the program and provides outreach/ recruitment services, the teaching staff, program curriculum, and support services.

The program provides a combination of Massachusetts state certified nurse aide, CPR, and home health aide training to residents of Springfield, Holyoke, Chicopee and surrounding towns, enabling them to learn new skills, develop self-confidence, and successfully transition into the workplace.

Photo caption: Desiree Leclair, TRA Western Massachusetts Regional Manager (left) and Mary Ellen Ciocca, R.N., Nurse's Aide Instructor (right) congratulate Certified Nurse's Aide program graduate Martha Ramos.

Seven students from the TRA’s Quincy YouthBuild program participated in the12th annual YouthBuild Challenge held at the Home Depot in Methuen on May 13.

Competing with nine other teams from all over New England, their hopes were high for a repeat of last year’s win. This year they were awarded Honorable Mention status.

“I’m extremely proud of all my young people for their dedication. They worked very hard to get here,” said TRA Quincy Manager Isabel Cobb.

Cutting wood, swinging hammers, and assembling the three-walled structure were: Matthew Miller, Michael Morganelli, Joaquin Storms, Joseph Carnes, Ryan Serafini, David Barron, and James Joyce. Only six students were allowed in “the pit” at any time, so one student rotated out throughout the competition.

The students received direction and feedback from their teachers Keith Hale, team coach, and Tom Shruhan, both of the Quincy Housing Authority, which provides the Quincy YouthBuild worksite and skills training. Lead carpenter Paul Curran served as referee.

One important direction was “Measure twice!” since the students were judged on the accuracy of their measurements as well as the speed, quality, skill, teamwork and safety. “Remember it’s quality, not speed.”

The project involved using plywood, sheeting and drywall, as well as double-headed nails to facilitate dismantling the structures after judging. The structures were framed and leveled with openings for a door and window.

At the midway break Chris Cato of the Green Initiative told the students, “You need to lead in building green.” This included buying building materials locally and using recycled supplies wherever possible. He urged them to be “environmentally responsible citizens.” A table with a solar energy display highlighted use of alternative fuels.

Cato reminded them, “Home Depot made this space available, so let’s leave it looking better when we leave,” which they did with a thorough clean-up.

But it was not “all work and no play” as entertainment included recorded music and hip hop performances by some of those involved in the program.

The upbeat atmosphere was tangible when event coordinator Yamira Cartagena of Lawrence led the group in a cheer with “When I say ‘Youth,’ you say ‘Build!’”

Through the day one could hear “shoutouts” over the loudspeaker for students who had completed their GED and/or gotten jobs.

Also on hand to support the team were: TRA Youth Build Counselor/ Case Manager Rhonda Callahan, Alumni Coordinator/ Office Support Hollie Smith, Public Relations Associate Diane Cooney and QHA Modernization Project Manager Rita Vaga.

Group photo caption: (Top row) Matt Miller, James Joyce, Keith Hale (coach QHA), Ryan Serafini, (Bottom row) Joseph Carnes, Michael Morganelli, Joaquin Storms, and David Barron participated recently in the12th annual YouthBuild Challenge held at the Home Depot in Methuen.

Student photos caption: YouthBuild students constructed a three-walled structure demonstrating carpentry skills at the YouthBuild Challenge.