LCC Success Story

This past June, Lenoir Community College graduate Raymond Howard started his first day at work as a Health Care Technician I at Caswell Center. No one would have suspected from his pleasant manner and friendly smile that he had overcome recent hardship.

His New Year’s present on January 2003, was a lay off from Buehler Products. A family man with two children faced the fact that his nine-year work history with Buehler was just that, history.

A Rapid Response at Buehler, which included the Lenoir County JobLink team, gave Howard some hope. He immediately contacted the JobLink and came in to pursue the Workforce Investment Act program. As a dislocated worker he was eligible for re-training through the WIA program and extended unemployment benefits through the Trade Readjustment Act administered by the Employment Security Commission.
Howard had an intense desire to work with the mentally challenged so he chose to retrain in the Human Services Technology curriculum at LCC.

Excelling academically and possessing a strong social conscience, he turned a personal setback into a spirited triumph. He worked as an intern in the JobLink Career Center and served as vice-president of the Human Services Club.

His volunteer efforts included Make A Wish foundation fund raising, book drive for Dobb’s school, Relay for Life fund raising, Aids Awareness march, and many other worthwhile projects and causes. As a role model for students and community members, he was honored with several awards, including the LCC Minority Leadership Award.

He graduated in May with a general degree in Human Services Technology and another degree in Mental Health, Howard continued to work in the JobLink Career Center until he was hired at Caswell Center as a Health Care Technician I at a salary that more than replaced his lay-off wage from Buehler.

He now works with a special population that he loves, but his dream does not end there. He plans to continue his education at North Carolina Wesleyan College in the fall where he will pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work.

LCC graduate Raymond Howard, standing, helps JobLink client LaVerne Atkinson-King with the computer.