WORKFORCE CENTRAL FLORIDA received millions of dollars of stimulus dollars to help train and find employment for local job seekers. Learn more about our strategy and programs funded by these dollars on our “Stimulus Dollars at Work” web page. These dollars have impacted our community, employers and your neighbors. We’d like to share some of their stories with you.
Comments & Quotes from Employers and Interns
“The Washington Park Branch Library is thrilled to have Don Blackshear
as part of our team! Don has been a tremendous help to our staff and patrons. He is an excellent worker, always showing interest and dedication in performing his job duties. Don displays a team player attitude. He is a go-to person, showing genuine interest in the success of the library. At any given moment, you can find Don shelving a cart of returned materials, helping a customer locate a particular item, or helping someone in need of computer assistance. When assigned new projects or duties, he accepts them willingly and completes them thoroughly. Don has been instrumental in allowing the Washington Park Branch Library to complete several key projects for our staff and patrons.
With a few weeks left in the program, Don continues his commitment to the library. He is much appreciated by all staff and has made a positive and lasting impression. His bright personality and strong work ethics will be valued wherever he continues his career journey, and we wish him the best in his future endeavors!
I would like to also add that it has been a pleasure working with Ms. Rosemary Smith. She has definitely been very responsive to any requests that we have made. She has answered any questions that I’ve had regarding Don and his Workforce employment.
My Workforce Re-Employment Connection experience has definitely been a positive one and I look forward to working with Workforce again in the future, if such an occasion arises.”
Patsy Williams, Washington Park Branch, about Re-Employment Connection Intern Don Blackshear
“I would like to take the time to comment on the success we have found with the Re-Employment Connection program. Eneida Oquendo has been such an asset to our organization. It was not until we had the opportunity to have an additional employee through this grant that we realized the gap that was going unfulfilled within our work environment. It is because of this that at the conclusion of Eneida's time with the Re-Employment program that we realized we could not let her go. We decided to hire her as our new development assistant. This is such a wonderful match and we have this program to thank for it.”
Kimber Threet of ITNOrlando about Re-Employment Connection Intern Eneida Oquendo
“We have hired ‘Yaritza Marques Tirado’ as a part time Spanish teacher. She was one of our participants that began as a 'teacher's aide' in March 2010. Our students worked great with her last year so much so that we asked her to return for the 2010-2011 school year.
Another blessing to Agape Ministries International has been LaVonya Robinson. She began the program in June 2010 as financial coordinator aide and has been key in helping us track our finances better and maintain our QuickBooks application. We have extended an offer for employment and look forward to working with her in the future.
In addition, we are also using another participant Jill Simms as a development trainer. She will be contracting with us for staff development. Jill Simms also brought a lot of human resource experience,
which helped us align our HR department into a more streamlined department and made us better able to handle a larger capacity of employees.”
Ahisha Moyet of Agape Ministries International on Re-Employment Connection Interns Yaritza Marques Tirado, LaVonya Robinson and Jill Simms
“Enterprise Florida, Inc. is a partnership between Florida's business and
government leaders and is the principal economic development organization for the state of Florida. Headquartered in Orlando, Enterprise Florida’s mission is to diversify Florida’s economy and create better-paying jobs for its citizens by supporting, attracting and helping to create businesses in innovative, high-growth industries. In pursuit of its mission, Enterprise Florida works closely with a statewide network of economic development partners and is funded both by the State of Florida and by private-sector businesses.
Tim’s role was to update the database of Florida-based companies and U.S. companies in targeted sectors.
‘Tim proved invaluable to the BR&R team while researching and compiling company bios that our president and CEO and our senior vice president used in preparation for their meetings at Farnborough. His attention to detail was first rate and was a huge help. Tim is also involved in researching companies that will help to define and strengthen our industry specific target sector plans,’ per Rob Sitterley, vice president, business development.
We sincerely appreciate Tim’s value added contribution. Although we don’t have an open position, we are moving Tim to a temporary agency at this time where he will still continue to leverage his talent and add value to Enterprise Florida Inc.”
Sharon Blake, Enterprise Florida on Re-Employment Connection Intern Tim Johns
“Aislinn’s role was to track media to identify positive Florida stories, search news and company websites, resize online banner ads and update marketing materials. This role not only required MS office proficiency but an understanding of basic Web HTML programming and basic principles of graphic design.
Aislinn’s track with us was cut short due to her starting a prior track which gave us less than two months to evaluate her. WCF offered us an opportunity to pick up another intern in the next track; however, leadership was so pleased with Aislinn’s contribution, we made her an offer for a paid internship as Aislinn is going back to school in the Fall. Aislinn will continue on with her internship while a student.
We are truly fortunate to have found Aislinn.”
Sharon Blake, Enterprise Florida on Re-Employment Connection Intern Aislinn Lujan
“Jeannie’s role was to assist with establishing an electronic archive system to maintain the organization’s records.
‘Jeannie is easy to work with, observant, listens to what is being said and comprehends. She has the ability to take on tasks given, focus and handle tasks effectively and efficiently. While talking with Jeannie she mentioned she learns something new every day working at EFI. This information will be valuable when she takes on the outside workforce when applying for jobs. She is no longer afraid of computers and learned our programs with ease,’ per Jana Kay, coordinator contract administration.
We sincerely appreciate Jeannie’s contribution. An office environment was very new to Jeannie, and she did well. We will miss her.’
Sharon Blake, Enterprise Florida on Re-Employment Connection Intern Jeannie Graybosch
“The job seeking process can be a shattering experience
—you start to question yourself. There have been so many
opportunities that I’ve applied for, that I knew I was capable of performing, yet I received no responses from employers. My participation in the “Re-Employment” program, especially my placement at Orlando Tech, has enabled me to have a renewed self confidence knowing that I have the intelligence & skills to perform on the job, and the capability to learn anything I put my mind, time, and energy to. I am absolutely positive that I possess the qualities & skills to be a productive associate and an asset to any organization. It’s not just a statement that I’d put on my resume because I think it sounds good.
I don’t feel that I have learned a new job-seeking skill or technique, but I feel re-energized & re-focused, and optimistic & confident that my unemployed status (which I find myself in now & again) will not go on as long as it did before I joined the program. The WORFORCE staff has been encouraging and supportive, and Rosemary (Smith, my career specialist) has been very helpful. I will keep using the resources and programs available to me at WCF as I continue to seek that illusive career opportunity.
Being placed at Orlando Tech was an excellent experience for me. I was able to work in an atmosphere that fostered continual learning and growth. I gained knowledge and skills that I will apply in my future career. I’ve been exposed to technologies and resources that have helped me acquire marketable skills in this evolving job market. For example – I am now a Certified Microsoft Office Specialist in Word 2007.
I am very thankful to have had the opportunity to work within the Digital Media Departments at Orlando Tech, and for being able to participate in the WCF Re-Employment Connection.
“
Oscar Valentin, Intern for Orlando Tech
“I would like to take this opportunity to share with
you our successes here at INViSiON Industries with our newest WCF employees. The INViSiON staff is quite pleased with the results obtained from our newest employees. We were able to establish a new ‘reman’ group, consisting of all WCF people. This new group is responsible for the diagnosis of defective DVD players used in our products, repair of these units after the diagnosis has been determined, and testing of the units after the repairs have been made to assure quality. The final product is what we’re calling ‘reman,’ short for remanufactured. These products allow us to better match the market demands from customers that desire a lower cost unit, while we maintain a high level of quality. The training process was absorbed well by all WCF employees. The learning curve - associated with anything new - proved to be short and painless.
All of the WCF employees show a high work ethic, good attitude and attention to detail with their given tasks. I feel that the knowledge these people have obtained will surely help in possible career paths associated with electronics and entertainment systems in general.
INViSiON Industries has, and always will be, conscious and aware of talent, drive and ability that makes a good employee. This program offers benefits for us as an employer, to be able to screen applicants for potential future employees, as well as for the employee, to be able to determine if our company is one that they would consider for long-term employment. Employees also benefit by gaining valuable experience working with and understanding high tech electronics in an ever changing and demanding world of modern technological devices.”
Brian T. Roll, INViSiON INDUSTRIES on Re-Employment Connection Interns Leo Camonayan, Sharice Kibble, Leonard Clement, Dwayne Cofer, Donya Smith, Debbie Bolton.
“I am pleased to announce another success here at INViSiON Automotive. We were able to retain 66 percent of our last group for permanent employment! The relationship between WCF and INViSiON has proven to be beneficial to all parties involved, and this is another example of how well the program is working. Our ability to retain these people is a direct result of the Re-Employment Connection program at work. As an employer, it’s a positive way to determine if a employee meets the standards of a company, and with this last round, we have found some great employees that we don’t want to lose due to the limitations of the program.
The employees have shown a dedication and commitment to us, and we are happy to welcome them to our family here at INViSiON. The Re-Employment Connection program has the ultimate goal of getting unemployed people back into the workforce, and this is a great example of how well things are working for us and our newest employees.
I look forward to working with the Re-Employment Connection team in the future. Rosemary Smith and Shemille Cox have been in close contact with us, and are always available to help and assist with any matters that may arise.
The support from these two have created a strong relationship between us, and we will all surely benefit from this in the future.”
Brian T. Roll, INViSiON Industries on Re-Employment Connection Interns Debbie Bolton, Leonard Clement, Dwayne Cofer, Sharice Kibble
“ With our latest track in full swing, our newest participants in the WORKFORCE CENTRAL FLORIDA program are doing great! Knowing and expecting the candidates for our positions will have little to no knowledge of our products, or high tech electronics, our training sessions have been a complete success story in itself, but I’m writing this because of the personal successes that our employees have had.
Our latest group showed the eagerness and willingness to learn in the interview process, and this is what got them here. Our training to get the group up to speed proved to be beneficial to us as well as them. The training went smoothly and quickly – about one week and everybody was working on their own. The training involved taking our returned or non-working products (DVD players for automotive headrests), diagnosing the problem, determining if the product is worthy of repair, making the repair, and testing the products once the rebuild process has taken place. …
… The participants are able to make their own call on appearance and operation of the units. If they feel that a player isn’t going to make it through the quality checks we have in place, they can then determine which components in the player are useable or what exactly needs to be repaired. The ultimate responsibility falls on each employee to make sure our products are the best in the world! …
… The experience and knowledge gained through the WORKFORCE CENTRAL FLORIDA Re-Employment Connection program has surely given all involved something to be proud of. The ability to expand and develop new talents is an asset with anyone currently in the modern day workforce, and will have a long lasting effect that has unlimited potential for the future.
Our relationship with WORKFORCE CENTRAL FLORIDA is pleasant and beneficial, and we here at INViSiON hope it will progress and be long lasting.”
“ PS: Our past WORKFORCE CENTRAL FLORIDA participants that we HIRED from the last session are doing great. We have a past participant “leading” up the current group and helping out the crew. The others are doing great also. We definitely have plans to retain members of our current group when this session ends in early June.”
Brian T. Roll, INViSiON Industries
“My name is April Henson and I really really enjoy the experience and the knowledge that I have obtained from the Re-Employment Connection program. When I first applied with the program, I thought that I was not going to be able to finish, because I had just had a son and when I went to orientation, my son Anderson, was only three or four weeks of age. Needless to say, I went through all the steps in order to complete the program. The day came for the job fair and I was so nervous, but I was determined because I had been unemployed for a year and I had little success with applying to different places. I had my resume handy and ready to get a job. I went to one table and it did not work out but when I got to the next table, THEY ACCEPTED ME FOR THE POSITION. The job was for clerical staff at Orlando Day Nursery. I felt so comfortable with the organization. I started working and I caught on very well. Three months had passed and I thought that I was getting ready to be unemployed again, but THEY KEPT ME. I am currently still at Orlando Day Nursery and loving every minute of it. I am so thankful to the people at WORKFORCE CENTRAL FLORIDA, because they worked with me and was patient with me and they are the reason that I am still employed today. Thanks so much. This program is a true blessing."
April Henson, Intern for Orlando Day Nursery
“ It is my pleasure that I write this letter of success on behalf of Michael Clark. Central FL PAL and WORKFORCE CENTRAL FLORIDA Re-Employment Connection began a partnership on March 15, 2010 with the agreement to provide employment to Michael Clark for a three-month period. In his role as enrichment coordinator, Michael has taken an entrepreneurial concept and developed it into our R.E.A.D.Y. (Rearing Entrepreneurs Assisting Dedicated Youth) Program. This program will address the problems found in inner cities and in low-income areas that can be alleviated by business education, particularly emphasizing the teaching of entrepreneurship to the economically disadvantaged and at-risk youth. Similarly, he also has taken the initiative of going into the community to speak about his Enrichment programs that include organizing guest speakers for local schools and nonprofits and recruiting girls ages 5-8 for PAL Girl Scouts Troop beginning in the fall.
Michael exhibits honesty and dependability. He has a special talent for helping youth and fostering long term positive relationships with anyone he meets. On a daily basis, Michael sets goals and work timelines that ensure his work is detailed, accurate and completed in a timely manner. His job performance reflects a sense of accountability and ownership. He has been committed to putting in additional research and time to ensure efficiency and willing to continue learning.
Mr. Clark has certainly proven to be an asset to our organization and the community in this short time. Without question, I believe that he will be an asset to Central FL PAL after his three months serviced in the WORKFORCE CENTRAL FLORIDA Re-Employment Connection program. We greatly appreciate the resources and tools that the Re-Employment Connection program has invested so that participants like Michael can be successful.”
Taneka J. Mallory, Central Florida Police Athletic League, Inc. on intern Michael Clark
"The WORKFORCE CENTRAL FLORIDA intern that has been provided to Keep Seminole Beautiful has truly enhanced our organization. She has done every job with a smile; she’s helped with some new ideas and insights. She’s treated our clients, members and partner organizations with a professional attitude, a smile and a can do attitude. I cannot thank your organization enough, and if ever given another opportunity to participate in one of your projects, we will jump at the opportunity."
Mike Barr, Keep Seminole Beautiful
"From day one, WCF Intern Joan Edinboro, came to City of Maitland willing to work, eager to learn and ready to gain experience. She continuously displays an eagerness to take on new duties after she fulfills each task in a timely manner. Additionally, she shows a positive attitude and appreciation for the opportunity WCF provided and City of Maitland offered.
It has been a pleasure working with her during this short period of time, and we wish her much success in her future career endeavors.”
Vanessa Watts, City of Maitland Personnel Department on intern Joan Edinboro
“Alpheus Isadore and Miguel Socorro have worked with grounds maintenance doing invasive plant removals at Nina Canal as part of our D.E.P Grant program. Due to their hard work, we have removed 80 cubic yards of invasive plants at that site and replanted 45 new 30-gallon trees and 75 3-gallon saw palms to complete the grant and satisfy all requirements. In addition, they also assisted in our beautification projects at City Hall, Maitland Avenue and Lake Lily … Along with these projects they have also dramatically increased our ability to maintain our city parks and complete work we would not normally complete until February. We deeply appreciate their skills, hard work and can-do attitudes.”
Mark Barton, City of Maitland Grounds Maintenance Division on interns Alpheus Isadore and Miguel Socorro
“I didn’t know what to expect from the Re-Employment Connection Program when we signed up. Deborah Lorenzen has been a pleasant surprise. Her background has allowed her to catch on quickly. I am able to give her tasks and projects to do without much supervision.”
Sharon K. Keeran, Greensleeves LLC on intern Deborah Lorenzen
“Though seemingly shy and quiet at first, Stephanie soon came out of her shell. She developed great interpersonal skills, volunteer management experience and even food service management. Stephanie can always be counted on to get the job done and has a positive attitude when given any task. We are extremely thankful to have her on the team! When looking down the road at employment opportunities, we would happily hire Stephanie on a permanent basis. Thank You WCF!”
Assereth Peachee, Give Kids the World on Summer Intern Stephanie Moure
“My success story while working with Dr. Leslie Bartlett at Bartlett and Johnston Chiropractic will be I’ve learned many things while working here with her. I feel that I’m very fortunate because not only working here teaches me good work ethics, but it also gives me a head start in my career as a medical assistant. My knowledge has expanded so much … she taugh us so much beyond the basic front office duties.”
Rhonda Butler, Summer Intern with Bartlett & Johnston Chiropractic
“I would like to share with you my working experience with one of your Summer Inters, Sasha Josephs. Ms. Josephs is quite possibly, one of the most professional young women I have met in many years. She seems to require minimal instruction in order to complete the tasks given to her. Additionally, Ms. Josephs consistently demonstrates a willingness to take on new duties and completes them in a timely manner. … I would not hesitate to recommend this individual for future employment. I plan to keep her resume on file, as well, for possible future employment opportunities.”
Cathleen E. Mark, Central Florida Child Health Program on Summer Intern Sasha Joseph
“My success story would be about me being to overcome my lack of communication skills. The employees here are all wonderful and by them teaching me new things everyday I’ve really stepped up and come out of my box.”
Shakyma Anderson, Summer Intern with Bartlett & Johnston Chiropractic
“Luis came to work every day driving from Christmas to the very southern tip of Orange County. This is just one of the examples of his dedication to his work and his commitment to excellence. Luis work in our branch was exemplary with his accuracy and production being very high.”
Julie Ventura, Orange County Library System on Summer Intern Luis Lopez
“The staff at the Urban League witnessed these two young ladies stand out from the other interns. They constantly asked for work and always asked if they could lend a helping hand. Both of these young ladies have grown and matured in the short time we have had them.”
David Thomas, Metropolitian Urban League on Summer Interns Christina Roades & Tkeya Branton
“Yumani has proven to be a team player who gets the job done!”
Sharon Blake, Enterprise Florida on Summer Intern Yumani Davis
“James, on more than one occasion, has saved us during our gaming program for kids. James is very knowledgeable about gaming; therefore he was able to teach the staff and kids how to play Guitar Hero. He also fixed the DDR known as Dance Dance Revolution before over 30 kids got a little angry at not being able to get their dance on!”
Patrice Florance-Walker, Orange County Library System on Summer Intern James Cambridge
“From day one, Reggie was always eager to learn and willing to work. Reggie not only exceeded our expectations for the variety and quality of his work, but he raised the bar for future interns. On behalf of the City of Sanford, I want to Thank WORKFORCE CENTRAL FLORIDA for the great work you do with young adults in our community and the opportunity for us to participate. Thank you!”
Russ Gibson, City of Sanford on Summer Intern Reggie Bellamy
“Dasia’s personal growth within a matter of seven weeks has been tremendous. Her work ethic, communication skills and comfort while working in a formal workplace environment are impressive for a young woman her age.”
Graciela Noriega Jacoby, Orange County Library System on Summer Intern Dasia Whitfield
“We had the privilege of working with two competent and positive interns this summer. Without their help, the School District of Osceola County could not have accomplished what it did this summer. They both proved to be strong, intelligent, self-motivated young adults. I say with sincerity, we could not have served our Principals, teachers and thus our students so completely without the hard work and dedication of these interns.”
Melanie Cleveland, Osceola County Schools on Summer Interns Charna & Angel
Intern Letters to President Barack Obama
With the overwhelming success of the local $4.1 million dollar Summer Job Connection program completed, several of the 1,200 interns took a moment to send a thank you note to President Barack Obama.
“…it is a great way to help keep kids off the streets and put them in a great working environment to learn valuable lifelong skills which we will all need to be successful in everyday life.” – Charna Johnson, Summer Intern Read Charna’s Letter
“Thank you for giving me a chance to start to build up my resume … to network myself and gain new contacts.”
– Letha Desir, Summer Intern Read Letha’s Letter
“Thank you for the opportunity to earn money while learning.” – George A. Russell, Summer Intern Read George’s Letter
“The friendships I built with other Summer Job Connection employees are irreplacaple. I’ve been able to use the funds I’ve received to help out my family and also, most importantly, to save just in case of emergencies.” – Bernice Senat, Summer Intern Read Bernice’s Letter
Hear first hand from Summer Interns and Employers about their experience in WCF’s stimulus-funded Summer Job Connection program in this video. To learn more about the Summer Job Connection program, visit our Summer Job Connection web page.
Employers | Search for Candidates
| Post Job Openings | Featured Resumes
| Training Awards| Research & Statistics
