YES Program Welcomes First Participants

In January, we opened the application process to accept the first participants for the new YES (Your Efforts, Supported) program. After careful deliberation and an extensive selection process, five employees were selected from over 100 applicants to participate in the program that will help further their education to pursue career goals.

A reception and orientation was recently held to welcome the participants. Check out pictures from the event and what participants and program organizers had to say.

“I have never felt so supported in all my life. I don’t have to worry about how I am going to work and go to school because this program will help me to do both. It’s like a circle of support at every angle .”
Catherine Dyson, Materials Management Specialist, is working to become a radiology technician.

“I remember my grandma with diabetes…I gave her the shots so she could get insulin. When I see patients at work, I want to help them, and soon I will be able  to. I have been taking classes for some time before being accepted into YES, but life has been hard. It's made me stronger and I am so happy I can do this."
Rana Mahood, Food Services Support Associate, is pursuing nursing.

"I have wanted to offer a program like this to employees for many years—even before I came to Carilion. I’m incredibly proud of the hard work, commitment and collaboration of so many people who helped to transform this vision into a reality. It’s been amazing to watch YES come to fruition and to meet the people tonight whose lives will change for the better because of it."
Paul Hudgins, Senior Vice President, Human Resources

YES is a Carilion-funded and donor-endowed program that helps participants learn, earn additional certifications and further their education to meet career goals—all while helping us fill important positions within our organization. Ultimately, the program can help you move into higher paying roles that improve your financial well-being.

Participants work with the program navigator, Natasha Saunders, to determine their custom path in the program and what barriers may stand in the way of their success. Then they work together to eliminate those barriers, paving the way for participants to focus on learning and training without the stress of balancing work and home responsibilities.

To learn more about YES, read the previous articles New YES Program Launches this Spring, New YES Program Will Benefit Employees and $1 Million Gift Will Support New YES Program. Be sure to watch Inside Carilion for details on the application process for the fall YES cycle. For further information, including program criteria and applications, visit the YES hub.