BY LORI WILLIAMS

Special to The Pilot

Human Resources Development (HRD) at Sandhills Community College focuses on assisting unemployed and underemployed adults to secure the skills needed to start a new career or re-enter the workforce.

Jenny Troyer coordinates training for this program, relentlessly looking for new ways to incorporate training to serve this population.

Troyer works closely with the Employment Security Commission (ESC) to provide pre-employment training for local businesses and assists them in their search for new hires.

The Department of Corrections (DOC) seeks Troyer's expertise in providing a re-entry program to inmates. Computer, personal and professional development skills are all included in this DOC training.

Another segment of her reach is providing computer skills training to those recovering from drug and alcohol addictions at the Sandhills Teen Challenge facility.

Alan Duncan, senior director for business and industry services, says, "Jenny also works with local churches to bring workshops and training that includes career counseling and resume assistance to their congregations. Churches and civic groups are encouraged to contact Human Resources Development with ideas of services we may be able to provide."

Duncan says Troyer's first priority is the student.

"Jenny shows compassion like no one else when it comes to the individual student and will look for any resources necessary to meet their needs," he says.

Troyer speaks of the positive aspects of the HRD program citing the customizable nature of the training.

"We can be flexible on the types of training, the schedules and the class -locations based on student needs," she says. "Some of the training includes career exploration, academic readiness, life skills, job search strategies, budgeting, mastering the interview and time management. Whether the goal is to enter a degree program or preparation to enter the workforce, we can meet those needs and the training is completely free to those who qualify."

Human Resources Development classes are also offered at the Hoke Center in Raeford and at the Westmoore Center in Robbins.

"Jenny has been providing HRD classes to the community for the last five years through our continuing education division," says Andi Korte, dean of continuing education. "She is a pleasure to work with, bringing her attention to detail and creativity to every project. Her commitment to student success and innovative ideas make Jenny an asset, not only to the HRD program, but to Sandhills Community College."

In addition, Troyer has an entrepreneurial spirit in her personal time. She is an avid gardener and spends countless hours outside. She has recently begun taking unique photographs in her garden and has turned those photos into a greeting card business, From Jenny's Garden.

When asked about her interest in this area, Troyer simply replies, "I love gardening. I want people to see what I see. The beauty of nature is all around us. We just need to take time out of our busy lives to notice it."

"When one door closes, Jenny looks for a window," says a co-worker about Troyer's work ethic and entrepreneurial spirit. "She simply does not take no for an answer, she finds a way to serve."

Training opportunities that fit appropriately into program guidelines that will effectively serve those desperately seeking employment is not an easy task, but Troyer makes it look effortless.

If you would like more information about the services of the Human Resources Development program, or others offered through the Division of Continuing Education at Sandhills Community College, call (910) 695-3980 or visit www.sandhills.edu/ coned.