News Summary
Carly Barton’s inspiring story showcases her remarkable transformation from a high school dropout to a successful medical assistant in Clearwater, South Carolina. With the support of SC Works, she earned her GED and CMA certification, embodying hope and dedication. Carly now aims to motivate others facing similar challenges, proving that determination and support can lead to significant life changes. As SC Works continues to assist job seekers, Carly’s journey highlights the impact of workforce development in improving lives and communities.
Clearwater, South Carolina: A Tale of Transformation and Hope
Meet Carly Barton, a spirited 25-year-old who’s a living testimony to how determination and support can change lives. Once a high school dropout and a young mom, Carly’s journey took a remarkable turn when she decided that she wanted more from life. With a firm resolve to build a better future for herself and her child, she embarked on the quest to earn her GED and succeeded, graduating with pride.
The turning point for Carly came during her graduation ceremony. There, she crossed paths with a workforce development caseworker from Upper Savannah SC Works. This encounter was like a ray of sunshine on her cloudiest days. The caseworker introduced Carly to various training and employment programs, opening doors that she never thought she could walk through.
With the unwavering support of SC Works, Carly took a massive leap forward in her career. She earned a Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) certification through the Greenwood Medical Academy. And now, she’s thriving at her full-time job as a medical assistant at the Margaret J. Weston Clinic, part of Rural Health Service in Clearwater. Here, she’s found her calling, embodying her lifelong desire to help others.
For Carly, every workday is filled with purpose and fulfillment, a welcome change after the challenges she faced in her early years. She is no longer just a young mom with dreams; she is a role model, dedicated to inspiring others who are on a similar path. The ideal of helping people fuels her ambitions, which doesn’t stop here. Carly is already contemplating her next step — pursuing further education with dreams of becoming either a Registered Nurse or a Licensed Practical Nurse.
The infrastructure supporting Carly and many like her is the Upper Savannah Workforce Development Board, which serves job seekers across seven counties in South Carolina. Under the guidance of the Workforce Development Director, the mission is clear: to cultivate a skilled workforce that meets the needs of local employers. They collaborate closely with companies to identify skill sets, training requirements, and necessary certifications.
Job fairs play a significant role in this mission, held monthly across each county served. Recently, one of these fairs featured 64 employers and attracted 187 eager job seekers. With the assistance of SC Works, many have access to free employment services such as resume writing, interview workshops, and various training programs tailored for different demographics—adults 18 and older, dislocated workers, and youth aged 16 to 24, including those without a diploma.
Despite current challenges, including a decline in federal funding from the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, which has dropped by 30.06% since 2014, SC Works remains committed to easing job seekers’ burdens in South Carolina. The state grapples with around 70,000 job vacancies, with rural counties facing even greater difficulties due to fewer industries. As a response, efforts are underway to establish a Virtual Engagement Center to further assist job seekers.
Since July 2024, Workforce Development has made significant strides: assisting over 10,377 individuals, registering 2,565 new job seekers, and delivering 4,630 employment services. These numbers highlight the profound impact helping someone secure a good-paying job can have on families and communities as a whole.
Carly’s story isn’t just a success story; it’s a beacon of hope. She firmly believes that her experience with SC Works provided her more than just job placement — it gave her a second chance at life. She hopes to motivate other moms and anyone in a tough spot, proving that with grit and support, anything is possible.
As SC Works continues its mission of bolstering job opportunities and strengthening ties with employers, the community can stay informed on upcoming job fairs and programs through UpperSCWorks.com. If Carly can transform her life, so can others with the right support!
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Author: HERE Greenwood
The HERE Greenwood Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Greenwood community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Greenwood Our team includes lifelong Greenwood residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent listing of the historic Grier Building, Greenwood’s railroad and textile heritage, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Piedmont Technical College programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Greenwood Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
