Staywell honors CareerSource Pasco Hernando, Eckerd Connects as Agency of the Month

Not everyone has a servant’s heart.

Luckily for young adults in Pasco and Hernando counties, the team at CareerSource certainly does.

The efforts of the program, which operates through Eckerd Connects, has earned them the title of Staywell’s Agency of the Month.

At CareerSource Pasco Hernando, it’s their mission to put at-risk youth (18-24 year olds) on a path that’s not only safe, but rewarding.

“A successful youth to us means they overcame whatever barrier they walked through our door with,” said Career Coach Brittany Karaszkiewicz. “That looks different for everyone.”

For some, success can mean obtaining their GED, improving their literacy skills or gaining an internship to boost their resume. That extra bit of experience is something Program Manager Rachael Ginnick, who leads the seven-person team, says is crucial.

“All of these kids are coming in basically with no real work experience at all,” said Ginnick. “We want to help them at least get their foot in the door, and show them how to build on those skills.”

The young adults Ginnick and her team serve have a variety of backgrounds: Many have battled drug problems and homelessness. Some are single parents. Others have mild learning disabilities. All are looking for help transitioning into adulthood.

“Life isn’t easy for everyone,” said Marissa Patrick, a workforce development specialist. “You weren’t promised an easy life. But you can get through it, and we can help.”

CareerSource of Pasco Hernando offers standard courses and workshops to their youth – but the staffers aren’t adverse to going above and beyond to help their “kids.”

“I’ve even taught our kids to read nutrition labels,” laughed Patrick.

For their efforts, the Eckerd Kids team was treated to a Publix-catered luncheon, courtesy of their friends at Staywell.

Pictured:
Marissa Patrick, Workforce Development Specialist, New Port Richey
Brittany Karaszkiewicz, Career Coach, New Port Richey
Rachael Ginnick, Program Manager, Spring Hill

Not pictured:
Katie Stroman, Career Coach, New Port Richey
Chris Mahan, Workforce Development Specialist, Spring Hill
Glenn Anderson, Career Coach, Spring Hill
Derrick Anderson, Workforce Development Specialist, Dade City
Erik Hicks, Career Coach, Dade City