Eckerd Connects

🌟 Why Eckerd Connects: Every Chance Matters, Every Story Counts 🌟 Why Eckerd? Because we believe in second chances. First chances. And every chance in between. Our founder, Jack Eckerd, knew that adaptability, efficiency, and impact were the keys to lasting success. He built those principles into his drugstore enterprise and, alongside Ruth, carried them forward into a vision for giving back. That legacy became Eckerd Connects—an American story of building something greater than a business: a tradition of care, a legacy of success, and a commitment to empowering potential. For over 50 years, Eckerd Connects has helped people across 20 states overcome obstacles, achieve stability, and build futures with purpose. 💡 From job training to family support to educational reengagement—we meet people where they are. 🗣 “Eckerd Connects sits at the intersection of some of our country’s greatest challenges—and greatest opportunities.” – Michael D. Smith, President & CEO 🔗 Learn more: https://brnw.ch/21wVTvm #WhyEckerdConnects #EckerdConnects #EmpoweringPotential #BuildingCareers

🌟 From Challenges to Career Success: Alexis’ Journey 🌟 When Alexis E. joined the Employment, Advancement, and Retention Network (EARN) program in April, she faced barriers that made her career goals feel out of reach. With guidance from her Eckerd Connects Workforce Advisor, Erica Wade, and career support from Job Developer LaVerne Wilson at the Philadelphia West Center, Alexis embraced consistency, self-discipline, and perseverance. Even when things felt overwhelming, Alexis pushed forward. Her hard work paid off—she is now employed with the Philadelphia Department of Human Services as a Clerical Assistant II! 🙌 Today, Alexis is thriving in her new role and proving that with support, determination, and belief in yourself, brighter futures are possible. 💼✨ #EckerdConnects #WorkforceDevelopment #SuccessStory #CareerGrowth #EmpoweringPotential #BuildingCareers

🏘️ Building Solutions Together 🏘️ Our Eckerd Connects’ Family Services team was honored to attend the 28th Annual Statewide Affordable Housing Conference, Florida’s largest gathering focused on creating equitable, accessible housing for all. With more than 1,200 housing professionals, nonprofit leaders, developers, lenders, advocates, and government partners, this conference was an inspiring few days of learning, collaboration, and action. From statewide policy updates to over fifty breakout sessions, attendees shared innovative solutions and strategies to strengthen housing opportunities across Florida. A highlight was hearing from Ashon Nesbitt, CEO of the Florida Housing Coalition, who reminded us that “real leadership is inviting people on a mission to do something extraordinary together.” We’re proud to be part of this mission—working alongside dedicated leaders to ensure that every Floridian has access to safe, stable, and affordable housing. 🌟 #EckerdConnects #HousingForAll #HousingConference2025 #FloridaHousingCoalition #EmpoweringPotential #BuildingFutures

🌟 New Partnership to Empower Rural Georgia Communities! 🌟 Eckerd Connects is excited to partner with CareSource to expand workforce development opportunities for CareSource members in rural Georgia. By addressing barriers to education and employment, this collaboration aims to help members secure jobs, gain self-sufficiency, and build stronger, healthier communities. Through personalized support, Eckerd Connects will help members develop job readiness skills, connect to career opportunities, and access vital resources like food pantries and life coaching. With a $10,000 grant from CareSource, this partnership is tackling poverty and food insecurity while supporting long-term economic growth. Learn more about how we’re making an impact: https://brnw.ch/21wVSXF #EckerdConnects #CareSource #WorkforceDevelopment #RuralGeorgia #CommunityImpact #JobReadiness #EconomicStability #StrongerCommunities #EmpoweringPotential #BuildingCareers

🔧 Opportunity Awaits You. Choose Job Corps. From welding sparks to bright careers — Job Corps connects you to high-demand industries like welding, construction, and IT. Graduates are earning $20–40/hr. and building futures that last. 💡 Training is free. Careers are waiting. Apply today: https://brnw.ch/21wVSF5 #JobCorps #JobCorpsWorks #CareerPathways #SkilledTrades #CareerTraining #EmpoweringPotential #BuildingCareers

✨ Starting Strong, Staying Strong! Research shows it’s far more cost-effective—and life-changing—to prevent youth from ever entering the juvenile justice or child welfare systems. That’s why Eckerd Connects’ Prevention Services partners with local schools to promote healthy child development, build self-esteem, and strengthen families. Today, our Prevention Services team had an absolute blast on a Back-to-School Tour in Osceola! From learning about self-love and confidence with our amazing kiddos to jumping into fun games, the energy was off the charts. 💙 Big smiles, big lessons, and even bigger hearts—together, we’re building brighter futures! #EckerdConnects #PreventionServices #OsceolaSchools #BackToSchool #SelfLove #EmpoweringPotential

🌟 Empowering Communities, Building Futures 🌟 At Eckerd Connects, we’re proud to operate programs in 20 states and the District of Columbia—helping individuals gain the tools they need for lifelong success. We are especially proud to share stories about our wide array of workforce development services during September—Workforce Development Month. In Bossier, LA, our One-Stop Operations Center is a true hub of opportunity. From financial literacy and workforce readiness classes to annual Fire Safety Training with the Bossier City Fire Prevention Bureau, we ensure both skills development and safety preparedness are top priorities. We’re also grateful for team members like Mr. Harold, who supports our efforts through the Senior Community Employment Program (SCSEP). His reliability, wisdom, and dedication embody the power of intergenerational workforce collaboration. And through strong partnerships with the Bossier Chamber of Commerce and other local stakeholders, we continue to connect talent, employers, and resources—strengthening workforce development across the community. Together, we’re creating pathways to success and brighter futures. 💼✨ #EckerdConnects #OneStopOperations #WorkforceDevelopment #CommunityStrong #EmpoweringPotential #BuildingFutures #WorkforceDevelopmentMonth

🚀 Opportunity Awaits You. Choose Job Corps. Job Corps graduates in your community are earning $20–40/hr. — with clear career pathways to keep moving up. Training is free. Housing and support included. 👉 Your future starts here: https://brnw.ch/21wVOMa #JobCorps #JobCorpsWorks #CareerPathways #SkilledTrades #CareerTraining #EmpoweringPotential #BuildingCareers

✨ Full-Circle Inspiration at Potomac Job Corps ✨ This week, we had the incredible honor of welcoming back one of our own—Director Thennie Freeman, alumna of Potomac Job Corps and now the Director of D.C. Parks and Recreation. 🙌 Her return was more than a visit—it was a powerful reminder of what’s possible through education, mentorship, and perseverance. 💬 Director Freeman shared her journey from student to public servant, encouraging our students to stay focused, embrace challenges, and never forget their roots. For our students, her story was a reflection of their own dreams. For our staff, it was a reminder of why we do what we do every day. 💙 We’re deeply grateful to Director Freeman for pouring into our community and reigniting our commitment to empowering young people and building brighter futures. #PotomacJobCorps #JobCorpsWorks #SeeingWhatsPossible #EmpoweringPotential #BuildingCareers

🌟 Sisters’ Success: Overcoming Barriers, Achieving Dreams🌟 Meet Tahmena (22) and Marwa (18), sisters whose journey shows the power of perseverance and support. After relocating to Greenville from Afghanistan—where their father served as an interpreter for the U.S. Army during Operation Enduring Freedom—they faced significant challenges. Cultural differences, language barriers, and a lack of motivation made school overwhelming. That changed when they connected with the Greenville WIOA Youth Program / Eckerd Connects. With the dedicated guidance of our Workforce Development Career Coaches, who used Title I WIOA Youth Elements like mentoring, tutoring, and career counseling, Tahmena and Marwa found encouragement and the tools to thrive. 📘 In May, both sisters proudly earned their High School Diplomas from Greenville County Schools. Today, they continue to work with Eckerd Connects staff as they prepare for their next steps in education and career success. Their story is a testament to the resilience of youth—and how personalized support can transform lives. 💙 #EckerdConnects #WorkforceDevelopment #SuccessStory #WIOA #EmpoweringPotential #BuildingCareers