FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Dec. 11, 2008
Media Contact: Michael Corby 904.632.3310

Five more students ready to hit the road after completing Florida Community College CVD workforce program

Completion a symbolic milestone for once-homeless student

What:	Commercial Vehicle Driving graduation ceremony
When:	Friday, Dec. 12 at 11 a.m.
Where:	Florida Community College, Cecil Center North 5640 New World Ave. (near Cecil Commerce Center), Jacksonville, FL

Details: The Florida Community College Commercial Vehicle Driving program has been in operation since August 2007 and has produced about 75 graduates in that time. This latest class of five students includes Melvin Bennett, currently a resident at City Rescue Mission’s McDuff Avenue facility. Bennett credits the support he received from CRM and the support and financial assistance he received from Riverside City Church for helping him maneuver a wide-right turn from homelessness to having a viable career as a licensed commercial truck driver. The College schedules recruiters from trucking companies — with job applications — to meet with students and help with placement, with a high rate of success. One local transport company, which rarely hires recently trained students, has hired three from the FCCJ program. Trained on four full-size semis and a CV simulator, the five graduates, Sharon Lee Priest, William Richardson, Dilaver Mukollari, James Byrd and Bennett have passed their tests and will have in their possession valid Florida Commercial Drivers Licenses at their graduation. Staff and supporters from the City Rescue Mission and Riverside City Church will attend the ceremony.

More media contacts:

City Rescue Mission: Mike Evans, CRM workforce program coordinator, 904.387.4357
Riverside City Church: Martha Paulk, RCC executive director of ministry, 904.388.4240