MANSFIELD — A nurse walked into director of Success Unlimited Dan Dickman’s hospital room last year and stunned him with a memory, he said.
More than 25 years earlier, she had been a single parent who dropped out of high school when she came to his Success Unlimited program. With the program’s support, she earned her GED, completed an STNA certification and eventually fulfilled her dream of becoming a nurse.
Today, she has a BSN, serves as a floor supervisor and has watched her daughter graduate from college. Dickman said this story always knocks his socks off when he thinks about it.
That kind of impact took center stage Wednesday when Catalyst Life Services, in partnership with Richland County Job and Family Services and Success Unlimited Programs, hosted an appreciation luncheon.
Celebrating partnerships that remove barriers to employment
The event, at 1285 Winery at The Blueberry Patch, honored the employers, agencies and community partners who help prepare Richland County youth and young adults for the workforce.
“Today we set this luncheon as a small token of our appreciation,” said Mitch Jacobsen, director of vocational services. “Thank you for being more than partners. Thank you for being champions, mentors and role models.”
These partnerships connect participants with work experience, job readiness training and life skills. Employers provide jobs, mentorship and guidance. Community partners step in with referrals so participants can access resources like transportation or child care.
“Our individuals do sometimes face challenges and we want to help them meet their dreams of the work experience they would like to go into,” said Heather Mosley, supervisor at Richland County Job and Family Services.
Dickman said the program always starts with people where they are. They help remove barriers, whether it’s transportation, child care or family needs, so participants can move forward and enter the skilled workforce.
“Very few people come to us because everything is working out well for them,” Dickman said. “Oftentimes they are coming to our doors because they need some kind of assistance to make that work.”
Award recognizes lasting role of Salvation Army
The luncheon also celebrated longtime partnerships.
Dickman highlighted the Salvation Army as one of the program’s earliest collaborators, going back to 1991.
He said they have probably had hundreds of participants benefit from their program over the decades.
The Salvation Army received an award for its commitment. An employee with the organization and former program participant, said the recognition carried personal meaning.
“I am so thankful for every job site and partner that give people like me a chance,” she said.
Dickman said he chose the award carefully, hoping it would capture the love and gratitude he feels for their lasting impact.
Speakers praise collaborative impact on workforce and community
Other speakers included Jon Brokaw of Brokaw’s Farm and Market and Jessica Backensto of Pump and Grind.
Backensto said she enjoys watching participants grow in both soft and practical skills. The program also strengthens small businesses, she said, managing labor costs, boosting productivity and bringing fresh perspectives to strengthen their connection with the community.
The luncheon wrapped up with raffle prizes and applause for all the partners in the room.
“The difference we make every day is because of you,” Dickman said. “You are actually the ones who make the foundation of what we do, work.”
(More pictures from the community partner appreciation luncheon. Picture credit: Hannah Martin)
