During a special luncheon ceremony, Montgomery County Community College honored the achievements of 10 students who recently completed the Partnership on Work Enrichment and Readiness (POWER) Program.

The POWER Program helps individuals in mental health and substance use recovery to successfully develop and reach their educational and career goals through a free 14-week, two-credit course that focuses on career self-assessment, presentation skills, time management, computer basics, goal setting, resume and cover letter preparation and interview skills, among others.

The graduates include Kevin Byrnes, Isaiah Cunningham, Brendan Garrity, Julia Kyootist, Britteney Nichols, Martin Phillips, Krystaly Rome, Joshua Spencer, Xingwen Sun and Cindy Todd. Julia had perfect attendance throughout the program.

As part of the celebration, two POWER graduates – Cindy Todd and Britteney Nichols – shared their stories, describing the personal challenges they overcame and how the POWER program provides the self-assurance and skills they will need in the future.

“I would definitely recommend the POWER Program for those just starting their journey and for those who are looking for a different direction in life,” said Cindy, who never thought she could be a college student, but she is now excited to be one.

“I will start classes in August to get a certificate in Human Services, and over the summer, I am looking forward to training to become a Certified Peer Specialist,” she said. “My goal is to help people on their road to recovery and their journey back to life.”

Similarly, Britteney would like to help others, and she is interested in pursuing a career in art therapy, where she could use her creative skills.  

During her remarks, she shared how her confidence level was low after enduring a difficult childhood and adolescence. At one point, she found herself homeless and struggling with addiction. Fortunately, she found programs that were able to help her. In 2020, she started taking classes at MCCC, but after a stressful semester, she decided to enroll in the POWER Program where she became more focused and confident.

“I would like to stop and thank everybody especially my classmates and professors for providing an environment of comfort, love and welcoming as well as support for each other to allow us to learn,” she said. “I always will look back to my days within the POWER Program and be proud that not only did I have guidance, but I now see a future for myself thanks to you.”

Following the students’ remarks, Dr. Keima Sheriff, Dean of Holistic Support, spoke to the graduates about overcoming challenges, focusing on the positive things in their lives and finding an inner peace that will help them get through the difficult times.

“Plan for your purpose so you can persist with the growth perspective necessary because you are connected to the peace that will get you through,” said Dr. Sheriff. “And that, my friends, is my message to all of you today. Congratulations!”

According to POWER Program Coordinator Holly Harris, more than 550 students have graduated from the POWER program since it started in 2006. More than 40 graduates are continuing their education at MCCC to earn certificates and degrees and many others have entered the workforce.

The POWER team includes Dr. Craig Smith, Director of Student Support Programs; Holly Harris, Program Coordinator; Tarsha Scovens, Employment and Grant Coordinator/Instructor; Teyne Crum-Obasuyi, Community Liaison/Instructor; and Kevin Ford, Peer Mentor.

The POWER program is funded by the Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services, The Scattergood Foundation, the Montgomery County Foundation and Montgomery County Community College. To make a donation to support the POWER program, visit mc3.edu/give and select “POWER program” from the list.

Individuals interested in the POWER program may obtain a referral from their mental health or school provider or may self-refer. For more information, contact Community Liaison Teyne Crum-Obasuyi at tcrumobasuyi@mc3.edu or Program Coordinator Holly Harris at hharris@mc3.edu.