Hope and Opportunity through Economic Self-Sustainability
The mayor, a Congressman, and federal employees walk into BB2C...
No, it's not the start of a joke, it's a celebration of federal recognition! On Monday, BB2C was designated the 68th EnVision Center in the United States. EnVision Centers are community organizations recognized by HUD for working with individuals to develop economic self-sustainability through education, entrepreneurship, and economic development opportunities.
While BB2C's is well known for working with students through local school partnerships, we also work with young (and not-so-young) career seekers who are looking to find a career, change careers, or start their own businesses. And whether we are working to inspire career choice with students or more seasoned individuals, our approach means we do more than just connect them with experiences and resources.
Our approach is comprised of eight points. Five of these points work together to create wrap-around support for those who engage with us; building relationships, encouraging an entrepreneurial mindset, offering hands-on learning opportunities, providing comprehensive support, and focusing on growth and development. Whether our participants are involved in our career mentoring, job shadowing, or internship programs or are involved in our Makerspace or Small Business Incubator, we work to ensure they are successful as they find and embark on their chosen career paths.
Being designated as an EnVision Center allows us to highlight the work we do with those seeking economic self-sustainability. This is especially relevant now, as many people in our community find their career paths affected by the economic ramifications of the COVID-19 pandemic. Our Executive Director, Tasha Werry, shared her appreciation of this new partnership:
"BB2C is excited to be a designated EnVision Center. This designation adds another layer of support to those that we are already providing to our students, businesses, and communities. We love adding pieces to the puzzle of community and economic development, as they are sometimes hard to find in rural areas. We appreciate Tom Leach [HUD Columbus Field Office Director] for reaching out and showing us that we do fit the model, and for connecting us to a whole new network of people doing great things for others."
If you know of someone looking for assistance with the next step on their career path, we can help. Community members may also be interested in two unique scholarship opportunities we have right now; skill-building through our Makerspace or starting or growing their business through our Small Business Incubator.