Changing One Life At A Time

The American Job Center: Changing One Life At A Time

The American Job Center connects people with jobs, but more importantly, it helps individuals find their career and professional purpose. Before walking into her local American Job Center, Tonya Brown had experienced life’s many difficulties. Tonya had struggled with addiction and the many barriers that it inflicts. However, Tonya was dedicated to pursuing a different path, and she became connected with her local Teen Challenge and Life Changers group. As a result, Tonya was given the opportunity to make substantial progress for her professional and personal future aspirations.

Ms. Tonya Brown

Through her relationships at Life Changers, Tonya was enrolled as a participant in the American Job Center in December of 2023. Samantha Bradford, a career advisor with the American Job Center, worked closely with Tonya. Samantha identified her potential and connected her with the Livingston Overton County Chamber of Commerce. Shortly after in January of 2024, Tonya was hired at the Livingston Overton Chamber of Commerce, her position funded by the American Job Center.

Being a rural chamber, the Livingston Overton County Chamber was able to cover Tonya’s new position by using American Job Center funds. These funds covered Tonya’s entire salary for the first 500 hours of work. However, during those first 500 hours of work, Tonya seamlessly became an integral part of the Livingston Overton County Chamber by working extremely hard and making herself an invaluable employee. Tonya learned the operations of the Chamber and worked closely with Chamber President, Shannon Cantrell, on events, managing the social media, and taking care of existing and potential memberships. The Chamber soon realized that Tonya is a necessary addition to their staff and  made accommodations to transition her into a full-time staff member. 

Tonya’s new title is Executive Assistant and handles member services as well. She is vital to the Chamber’s membership services as she collects Chamber membership dues, checks in with members and explains member benefits. Livingston Overton Chamber President, Shannon Cantrell, states, “Tonya’s work and contributions for the Chamber have managed to pay her salary so far. Her dedication to helping our members has allowed us to add to our membership and continue working with those members who have renewed.”

The opportunity to work made available by AJC funds has changed the direction of Tonya’s life. Beyond that, the Livingston Overton County Chamber was enabled to expand its staff and better serve the Overton County community. 

The American Job Center’s role in the health of our local workforce cannot be overstated. The American Job Center works in individual lives to remove or overcome barriers to long-term employment. Its impact eventually reaches beyond individual lives, touching the business community and strengthening our regional economy. If you are a business owner or job seeker, please get involved with your local American Job Center. You may not know what opportunities are available to you.