NOVA Workforce Institute of Northeast Louisiana:
Strong Jobs, Strong Communities
NOVA is changing lives in northeast Louisiana, one job at a time.
NOVA, a Foundation for the Mid South community development grantee from 2012 to 2013, is an initiative that listens to the needs of the community and works to find solutions. As a long-term way to strengthen northeast Louisiana’s workforce and economy, NOVA connects local employers who need skilled employees with residents who are looking for living-wage jobs with benefits and a career path.
In five years, NOVA has served 540 participants and has placed more than 300 in living-wage jobs in four main areas: manufacturing, customer service, health care and construction. The organization focuses on preparing participants for the work world through job training classes, career counseling, mentoring and support services, such as help with child care or transportation costs.
“Every day it seems like we’re hearing about another success story,”
Paul West, Executive Director
“There was a person who just came back to us. He stopped by and thanked us for what we’ve done. He’s starting a job – he’ll be welding, working out of state, and making a good salary. His life is forever changed because of 18 months of training. There is story upon story. To see the impact it has on people’s lives, that’s the most rewarding part of what we do. People who had little or nothing, now they and their family and community are impacted socially and economically.”
Juanita Woods, director of programs and participant services, said NOVA has a comprehensive approach to preparing participants for future employment.
“We get them ready for the work world,” she said. “Some have transferable skills; they were laid off from jobs they had worked for a long time, and we help them find how to find new employment. Some have never worked, we’re getting them started.”
“Setting smart goals, that they can achieve in a certain period of time. Improving communication skills, working on stress and anger management. Looking at how to complete job application and getting ready to interview. Those with no skills, we get them into advanced training. With a community college course, after 280 hours, they’re able to go into a manufacturing facility with an entry-level job.”
“This side of eternity, the best thing you can do for someone is help him find meaningful work,” said West.
NOVA’s Impact
Meet Mack Jackson
NOVA participant, Monroe, Louisiana
Mack’s Story
I’ve been involved with NOVA for three to four years – since the end of 2009, beginning of 2010. I was looking for a better job. I was working as a police officer and had to work a second job doing security and wasn’t spending a lot of time with my kids. Then I got laid off from the police department.
When I heard about NOVA, I was skeptical at first. But I went in to talk to Miss Juanita, and the rest is history. She told me about a class – CMS (Certified Manufacturing Specialist), and I entered it. It took about six to seven weeks. While I was in class, I stayed in contact with NOVA. When I graduated, NOVA offered me a job interview with the company I’m now working for, Denbury Resources. I’m the lease operator in oil fields.
I went from working every day, seven days a week, to working seven days on, seven days off. I have a lot more time with my family. I have four kids – they’re 21, 19, 12 and 8.
NOVA was supportive and stayed in touch with me the whole time. One company was supposed to come to Monroe, which was one of the reasons I took the class in the first place. Then they decided not to come, and I was discouraged. NOVA really helped keep me positive. They’d call once a week to ask, “How are you doing?”
Q&A With Mack
How do you like your work?
I love it. I wish I’d done it 15 years ago. My days are good. I work for myself – I get into the truck, check my wells, report back to the office operator.
What’s the most important thing you’ve learned from your experience with NOVA?
There’s so much I’ve learned from NOVA. Patience. Helping others. They reached out and helped me when they could have passed me up for someone else. I try to do the same for others. When people need help, I refer them to the NOVA program. If they can do it for me, they can do it for someone else. I’ve referred four or five people to NOVA, and they’ve all walked away with good paying jobs.
What advice would you give to others who are dealing with similar challenges that you faced?
Give it a try and stick with it. In the beginning, you might get frustrated. But stick with it and it’ll work out for you. Stay consistent with class. Be honest with them – tell them the need that you have. Even if you don’t have a ride to class, NOVA will try to find you a ride.
How has NOVA made a difference in your life?
I love the NOVA program. I went from making $24,000 a year to $60,000 a year. It made a big impact on me and my entire family. I’m putting two kids through college. I’m able to purchase vehicles and a house. I have more time with my family. I can even go to church on Sunday now that I’m not working every Sunday. I spend time with my parents. I go on vacation. It’s been a big part of my life.