Excelsior Springs, MO – On September 17, 2025, the Excelsior Springs Job Corps Center welcomed community partners to its quarterly Community Relations Council (CRC) luncheon, an event designed to showcase student achievements, strengthen partnerships, and highlight opportunities for students to gain real-world experience while giving back to the community.
The luncheon opened with remarks from Business Engagement Specialist Catherine Goodson, who thanked attendees for their ongoing support of the center and its students. Among those in attendance were Mayor Mark Spohn, Mayor Pro Tem Reggie St. John, City Manager Molly McGovern, Chamber President Brian Rice, Chamber Assistant Director and Chamber Trolley Director Lindsay Hall, Duke Christopher of The Elms Hotel & Spa, local pastors James Wesley and Mike Boudreaux, Ben Rubey of the Excelsior Springs Area Career Center, Melissa Bartlett of Hightower Heritage Real Estate, Clay County Sheriff Sergeant Megan Blackburn, City Neighborhood Specialist Laura Mize, City Planning and Zoning Director Josh Garrett, Julia Mees of ES SAFE, Julia Westerheide of Drive to Thrive, and Bridget Mendoza of the Northland Clay County Economic Development Council.
Under the guidance of Yvette O’Dell, Career Technical Training Manager, the center’s Culinary Arts students prepared a full luncheon menu, featuring chicken Alfredo as the main course, complemented by a fresh salad and buttery breadsticks. The meal offered students the chance to practice their skills while showcasing teamwork and professionalism to the community partners.
During the luncheon, Center Director Lori Sams recognized two key partners for their ongoing support: Excelsior Citizen, the local news and media website, and the Excelsior Springs City Council. “Strong relationships that foster collaboration are essential to our success,” Sams said. “We are so grateful to them for showing by their words and actions that they are as invested in our progress and growth as we are.”
The meeting also highlighted upcoming opportunities for students and ways the community can engage with Job Corps. The center, operated by Education and Training Resources and MINACT, Inc., currently has a variety of job openings for those interested in working with youth.
Community members are invited to visit the center at the Job Corps Open House on Thursday, October 16, 2025, from 12:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Attendees will have the opportunity to tour the campus, meet students, and see firsthand the programs that are preparing the next generation of workforce leaders. “Come see the campus, meet the students, and be inspired by what they are accomplishing,” Goodson said.
Job Corps students will also be participating in several community events this fall, including:
- ES Night Out Against Crime, 9/27 — Security students assisting with event security under the guidance of Security Protective Instructor Mr. Gooch.
- Suicide Prevention Walk, 10/4 — Students will walk and collect donations for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention during Staff Denim Days.
- Irish Festival, 10/4–5 — Security students will manage traffic, assist at the front gate, support the first aid tent, and conduct regular patrols during the festival.
- ES Homecoming Parade, 10/17 — JROTC students will participate in the parade, representing the center and its programs.
The CRC luncheon highlighted the continued collaboration between Job Corps students, staff, and the broader Excelsior Springs community, emphasizing the value of real-world learning experiences and strong local partnerships.
For more information or to get involved, community members are encouraged to contact Job Corps staff, including Catherine Goodson for outreach or project suggestions.
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