At its March 16, 2012 Board meeting, the Tri-County Workforce Investment Board awarded Hayward Smith a STEP award for his success in the Senior Aide program. Today, Hayward is a proud member of the Butler County workforce. However, his path to this point had consisted of some wonderful highs, 18 years in the armed forces, and some serious lows, homeless for seven years.
After 12 years in the U.S. Navy, where he was awarded many ribbons and commendations, and 6 years as a Merchant Marine, Hayward was ready to move on with the rest of his life. Unfortunately, steady employment eluded Hayward and the resulting consequences left him homeless on the streets of Pittsburgh for seven years.
Hayward eventually came to Butler and was fortunate enough to land a spot in AmeriCorps. This national community service academy helped him regain his confidence and develop a new goal for employment success.
Following the end of his allotted time in AmeriCorps, Hayward made his way to the Butler County CareerLink and was referred to the Career TRACK Work Certified Program. This program helped him focus on the needs of employers and what they are looking for in their employees. Passing the 50 soft skills work -readiness competencies and becoming work certified credentialed, Hayward was ready to return to the workforce with new enthusiasm.
Eager to develop a new work history, Hayward enrolled in the Career TRACK administered, Butler County Senior AIDE program. Following a successful assignment at the Butler YWCA, Hayward began a new assignment at the Butler Veterans Administration Medical Center Canteen as a food service worker. Interestingly, he did not know then that this opportunity would help him achieve a dream from a previous time. Years earlier, Hayward had pursued employment with the VA Hospital for an extended period with no luck. This Senior AIDE assignment was about to change his luck.
Hayward’s work readiness skills and positive attitude impressed Yvonne Foley, Canteen Services Manager, so much during the first 9 months of his assignment; she knew she had to keep him. On August 1, 2011 Hayward became a regular unsubsidized employee of the VA Hospital. His earlier dream had come true. Today, he plans on staying there until his retirement, and is proud to see how his life has come full circle.
Pictured, Hayward Smith with Jim Ferguson, TCWIB Board Chair.