Hi – my name is Yasmine Burrell, I am a single mother, a domestic abuse survivor, a mediator and most importantly a woman of faith and loves Christ. I found out about the WIOA program in 2023 walking into the DHHR, seeing a poster hanging up on the wall while I was standing in line waiting my turn to turn in my paperwork to keep receiving my SNAP EBT and medical benefits. I was already working as a CNA at the time through Family Service next to Fairmont College. I wanted to better my future by learning the basics of construction and so I wanted to be part of West Virginia Women’s Work Pre-Apprenticeship program. I really enjoyed learning carpentry, masonry, electrical, plumbing and how to operate a forklift and working with other women in the same program. So there’s no such thing as a man’s job, women can do the same work ethics as men. You can do anything you put your mind to. I am currently certified and working for Morning Star Express LLC doing maintenance work for the church and also doing maintenance jobs around in Fairmont, WV. It’s a blessing being part of West Virginia Women’s Works program – they were very supportive and attentive to our needs. I recommend WIOA and this program to other young women that have dreams, because if it wasn’t for them I could never afford or been able to complete this program without the help of WIOA program. Thanks so much to all involved in making this happen for the less fortunate because without you we wouldn’t be able to further our education. You guys are a true blessing in disguise.
