It takes a lot people linking resources together to help people close in on their dreams. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville East St. Louis Center’s (ESLC) Vera Jones is one of such dream catcher, as she provides coaching, resources and referrals to people transitioning into education and employment.
Jones, a career counselor with the ESLC Metro East Accelerated Training & Career Hub (MATCH), was named a 2018 Tribute to Success honoree by Connections to Success. Tribute to Success is an annual fundraiser and community-wide celebration of achievements that recognizes individuals who have inspired others through stories of passion, hope, collaboration and leadership.
“I help identify barriers that may prevent someone from taking the next step toward achieving their life plan,” said Jones. “Through collaboration and partnership with local social service agencies, many of the barriers are removed, which allows an individual to concentrate on completing short term certification or a training program, register for school to further their educational goals, or work towards obtaining full-time sustainable employment.”
SIUE and Connections to Success collaborate to provide services to meet the parental needs of youth served in SIUE East St. Louis Center programs and residents throughout the Metro East community. MATCH assists individuals with identifying short–term training and educational programs that lead to living wage employment opportunities.
“Success in the workplace relies heavily on employees having soft skills, such as literacy, reliability, problem solving and the ability to work in teams,” said Jones. “Connections to Success recognizes these needs. They use the approach of meeting people where they are. They encourage clients to plan and develop smart solutions to the complex issues around poverty. In addition, they have a lifelong commitment to mentoring individuals as they transition from poverty to independence.”
“Vera has a unique ability to connect with people,” said Johanna Wharton, director of Workforce Development and Strategic Partnerships. “She earns their trust and motivates them to accomplish things they didn’t think possible. Vera is a key component to the MATCH program’s success, helping 95 individuals secure employment in the past year.”
With a focus on empowering people and strengthening communities, the SIUE East St. Louis Center is dedicated to improving the lives of families and individuals - from pre-school through adult - in the Metro East. Head Start/Early Head Start and a charter high school are among the programs that offer the community renewed hope and an opportunity to reach educational, career and life goals. The Center also assigns first priority to encouraging, supporting and improving the educational success of the residents of East St. Louis and surrounding urban communities. The Center provides comprehensive programs, services and training in the areas of education, health, social services and the arts.
Photo: Vera Jones, a career counselor with the ESLC Metro East Accelerated Training & Career Hub (MATCH), was named as a 2018 Tribute to Success honoree by Connections to Success.