Dr. Jason Reeves understands of the power of the Workforce Investment Act (WIA). Reeves’ education and success are due in part to the financial help he got for school from WIA, but they were also made possible by what he learned through helping others as a WIA adviser.

Reeves, 29, recently finished work on his doctoral  degree in education and became Associate Dean of Educational Studies at Union College in Barbourville. Reeves also serves as a Board of Examiners (BOE) member for the Kentucky Education Professional Standards Board (EPSB). He says his current success is “directly linked” to his years of involvement with WIA.

While growing up in Knox County, Reeves benefitted from several community service programs, sparking a lifelong interest in finding ways to “give something back” through public service.

Later, when he found himself struggling financially during his studies at Eastern Kentucky University, an instructor told him he could get help from WIA.

"I said, ‘Well, what’s WIA?’ I didn’t know,” he said.

Reeves learned that WIA helps adults, laid off workers, and struggling young people with career advice, assistance finding jobs, and the education and training that can improve their lives. He also learned that there was a WIA office two blocks from his house in Knox County, where KCEOC Community Action Partnership provides WIA services under contract with the Eastern Kentucky Concentrated Employment Program, Inc. (EKCEP).

Reeves was able to get WIA assistance to pay for his tuition, books, fees, and transportation to school, allowing him to concentrate on academics.

"WIA came at the perfect time. I couldn’t support myself and school without some help,” Reeves said.

Reeves WIA Career Advisor Marilyn Coffey offered more than just financial help; she also provided a caring ear and friendship.

Coffey remembers him fondly.

"He’s very hard-working and goal-oriented,” she said.

Reeves spent a lot of time at the WIA center studying and making friends and contacts. When a position as a WIA summer youth counselor became available he applied and was hired.

"I really loved working with kids that reminded me of me,” Reeves said. Although they might have needed a little “push and assistance,” they were full of potential.

Reeves worked with WIA for three years. During that time he tried to teach young people the value of community service.

He led the Kentucky Summer Food Program sponsored by the Kentucky Department of Education to feed disadvantaged younger children — staffed by the WIA youth — that won awards.

He wanted to take the young staff to a community action anti-poverty rally in Washington D.C., partly to reward the youth for their hard work and partly because he hoped that it would help inspire them to get involved in public service, Reeves said.  Despite working hard at yard sales and other fundraisers, the group came up short of raising enough money for the trip.  However, EKCEP was able to provide the additional funding he needed.

"Being able to take them on that trip was very rewarding, many of them had never left home before” Reeves said.

Reeves had discovered he had a knack for teaching and career advising, so when a position as Director of Career Planning and Placement at Union College came open he took it.  He felt it was a natural outgrowth of what he was already doing.

"I used my contacts and knowledge from WIA in the new job. I was constantly referring people to WIA and they were referring people to me,” Reeves said.

Eventually Reeves moved into the education department, obtaining his master’s degree and later his doctorate as he worked his way up to his current position as a teacher and adviser.  His doctoral dissertation was on non-profit leadership and he went to KCEOC and WIA for help with his research.

Along the way kept in touch and kept sending people in need to WIA.

"I’ve never turned loose of WIA and WIA has never turned loose of me,” he said, adding that the reason is because he knows WIA is a program that gets results.

"I know that it works. I know that it benefits a large number of people,” he said.

Reeves said it’s distressing that WIA and related programs seem to be under attack from budget cuts, and he hopes they will be able to continue.

"They’re just too valuable to lose,” Reeves said. “I hope that in some way I can always be in an advocacy role for non-profits and programs like WIA.”

EKCEP Executive Director Jeff Whitehead said Reeves’ success is an inspirational example of the many positive impacts WIA has on the community.

"This is another inspirational example of how our investments in the hopes and dreams of people continue to pay dividends to our communities and nation for a lifetime. WIA at its very core is about successful partnerships with people like Jason,” Whitehead said.

Coffey said she always knew Reeves would be a success and is proud to see how much he has accomplished over the years.

"He’s an inspiration and example for anyone who says it can’t be done. It can be if you want it and are willing to work at it. I’m very proud to call him a client and a colleague but I’m most proud to call him friend,” Coffey said.

For more information about WIA services call 606-436-5751 or visit www.ekcep.org or www.facebook.com/ekcep.