We all need a helping hand sometimes.
Jovani has lived in Galax for most of his life and is now raising a growing family in this beautiful corner of Southwest Virginia. After spending six years working over 70 hours a week at a local textile manufacturing facility, Jovani was ready for a change that would allow him to provide for his family and spend more time with them.
That’s when he heard about People Incorporated’s Youth Workforce Development program. His wife, who is a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), had already been encouraging Jovani to go to college to further his career.
“I had nothing to lose,” Jovani remembers thinking when he first heard about the Youth Workforce Development program, which helps enhance workforce readiness skills and explore future careers for young people ages 14 to 24 years old.
Jovani was interested in the medical field and decided to pursue nursing with the support of the program. He wasn’t sure if he would like it at first, but after a year discovered that he loved it.
With the help of his People Inc. caseworker, Jovani enrolled in five semesters of schooling at Wytheville Community College. Throughout it all, People Inc. was there to provide financial assistance and support for purchasing books and tuition.
“I didn’t have to worry about all that,” said Jovani. “It allowed me to be there for my kids and my wife worked less, so that was a lot of help right there.”
Jovani went on to graduate as an LPN and now splits his time between two pediatric home health companies. He and his wife make it a priority to work hours that allow them to be home when their kids get out of school.
“I love it,” Jovani said of his new career. “I like that you get to do something for other people, you appreciate your work when you help other people out.”
People Inc. supported his career journey and now Jovani supports others in their health journey.
His biggest piece of advice for anyone considering enrolling in the Youth Workforce Development program?
“Just got for it, if someone can help you, just go and see . . . I got the help I needed, just go for it.”
