The Jacksonville Job Corps Center, operated by Chugach Education Services Inc. (CESI) and the Duval County Health Department, have partnered to provide enhanced health services to more than 350 students enrolled at the center. Center Director, Kenderson Hill (right); Wellness Manager, Jeanette Dunlap (left); and Duval County Health Department Representative, Ms. Funmi Borisade, RNC (center); met on Thursday, December 1, 2011 to formally sign the agreement.

As a result of this partnership, the Duval County Health Department Maternal and Child Health Division for Enhanced Family Planning Services will provide services to more than 350 students at the Jacksonville Center. “The one year grant in the amount of $16,500.00 will greatly enhance our student services,” states Center Director, Kenderson Hill. The Health Department has been a tremendous community partner of Job Corps and continues to focus on the health and well-being of the whole Jacksonville community.

Ms. Jeanette Dunlap, Jacksonville’s Wellness Manager, has built and maintains a strong working relationship with the Health Department. The grant will assist the center with a variety of health and wellness initiatives. Earlier this year, Job Corps requested all 125 centers nationwide to participate in the Healthy Eating and Active Lifestyles Program (HEALS) to reduce obesity and incorporate exercise into students’ and staff’s daily lives. The center, with the assistance of the Duval County Health Department, kicked off that initiative in September. As a result students and staff have incorporated healthier eating and exercise habits.

Jacksonville Job Corps center trains about 525 students per year. The young men and women who are enrolled in Job Corps study to become carpenters, electricians, certified nurse assistants, office administrators, pharmacy technicians and other occupations. The center’s top priority is to teach eligible young people the skills they need to become employable and to help place them into meaningful careers.

For more information on Jacksonville Job Corps Center please visit www.jacksonville.jobcorps.gov  

-Joann Manning, Jacksonville Business & Community Liaison