Students with the Mingo Job Corps recently volunteered with the Poplar Bluff Animal Shelter, their first major community service project since COVID.
Student Personnel Officer Carolyn Marshall explained the newly formed student government wanted to find a service project they were all passionate about.
“They decided they wanted to be more active in the community,” she elaborated. “They were adamant on coming to the animal shelter.”
Student Jazmyn Ryan remarked, “We love animals. It seemed like a good place to come.”
While the Mingo Job Corps had a significant lull in participation during the pandemic years, Marshall said the organization has seen renewed interest and has more service activities planned.
Training Technician Lisa McLain said the most rewarding part of the job is meeting all the different students and varying personalities.
“I love it,” she stated.
McLain shared the program offers a nine to 12-month course that ensures students graduate with a high school diploma, driver’s license and improved access to federal jobs. McLain said she admired how much participants grow throughout their time with the MJC.
Jaclyne Murr, six months into the program and a member of the student government, intends to use the skills she learned in the Job Corps to become a first responder with the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Murr has had the opportunity to train in firefighting, archaeology and dispatching through the MJC.
With her fellow students, the volunteers scrubbed out cages, hosed down kennels, and helped Animal Control Officer Mark Hastings move panels for a new enclosure over several hours.
“We appreciate the help,” Hastings noted. “They’ve been very helpful.”
After their time, the students presented Poplar Bluff Animal Control with a $50 donation.
Looking over the freshly cleaned facility, Marshall noted, “I can see we’ve made a difference.”