CHANGING LIVES

Since 2010, the G. V. (Sonny) Montgomery VAMC has partnered with Catalyst Learning to provide School at Work (SAW) to employees at the GS/WG-1 through 4 grade levels. SAW gives these employees the tools needed to improve skills for job performance and advancement, personal and developmental growth, retention and career and educational development. Training sessions include: how to use the computer, including the internet , setting up Outlook, establishing passwords, and using VISTA; computer labs; DVD technology; life management skills, grammar, reading, and writing, and applying math in the workplace. There is always a Site Coach and Assistant Coaches rooting for and providing guidance during each training session. Primary coaches are Phyllis Smith-Bowen (PM&RS) and Michael Alexander (FMS). Assistant coaches include Mary McGruder (Nursing), Lisa Lewis-Watson (Business Office), and Darren Travis (COS). SAW Alumni also serve as assistant coaches: Esha Henry, Beverly Jones, and James Mallett (SAW Class of 2010) and Cassie McDuffey, Julliee Shaver, and Alison Spencer (SAW Class of 2011).

We have great support in the SAW program. Additional training taught by other employees include: how to complete KSAs and job applications, refresher math techniques, and public speaking. Over 50% of the employees have been promoted, enrolled in school (including on-line learning), and/or accepted additional assignments. Several have advanced into supervisory positions. Julliee Shaver was inducted into the National League Scholar Program for her consistent high GPA. Not only has SAW had a positive impact on employee participants, but on family members and friends as well, according to some of the participants. Melissa Teeters reported that her fiancé used to see her studying and he enrolled in school. Some reported they are no longer afraid of the computer and can now help their children and grandchildren with homework. Still others reported they are more abreast and feel a sense of connection to what’s going on in VA now that they have computer access and can read information.

On October 12, 2012, family, friends, supervisors, managers, and co-workers celebrated with the Class of 2012 by attending the Graduation and Pinning Ceremony. The graduation program is usually conducted by the SAW students and alumni. This provides another opportunity to put their public speaking skills to the test. Students performed roles such as: Mistress of Ceremony, Prayer, Welcome, Reflections, Poetry, and even collectively singing a class

song. This year’s speaker was Ms. Beverly Jones (SAW Class of 2010).

G. V. (Sonny) Montgomery VA Medical Center Class of 2012 SAW Graduates with Medical Center

Director, Joe D. Battle (far left)

Medical Center Director, Joe D. Battle , congratulates graduate Darryl Jamison.

The SAW Alumni has established a SAW Community Service Outreach Committee to organize a project

and give back to VA and the community. They have also been involved in the recruitment, interview,

and selection process to determine future SAW candidates.

In order to encourage new SAW members and to network and share career goals and accomplishments,

the current SAW Class hosts an annual SAW Alumni Retreat. Former graduates reflect on benefits they

gained, the coaches report on the return-on-investment (ROI), and graduates volunteer to sign up as

potential coaches/mentors for future SAW classes.

SAW program is developed by the Catalyst Learning in Louisville, KY. It is a proven tool to grow your

own workforce. It is an annual six-eight month program designed to prepare employees for continuing

their education in healthcare and/or transitioning from entry-level jobs into clinical, clerical, supervisory,

and support positions. Studies have shown that employees who complete SAW have increased job

performance, morale, and are better equipped to enter local certificate or degree programs. A

minimum ninth-grade reading level is recommended for success. It is a program definitely for medical

centers that want to nurture and advance the entry-level employee.

Alumni and Current SAW Students Progress Report

When surveyed, all students reported they found the SAW program to be a great learning opportunity!

James Mallett – Promotion from Housekeeping Aid to Housekeeping Aid Supervisor. Participated and graduated in the Emerging VA Leaders (EVAL) Program after attending SAW.

Raymond Travis – Promotion from Housekeeping Aid, WG-2 to WG-3.

Doashey Fanroy – Enrolled in school at Mississippi College in Sociology

Lenoria Murriel – Enrolled in school at Copiah-Lincoln for RN Degree. Has an LPN Degree

Julliee Shaver – Enrolled in school at Southwest University (On-Line) in Social Work; Induction into the National League Scholar Program for a consistent high GPA.

Alberta Miller – Enrolled in school at Hinds Community College-pending the LPN night program

Melissa Teeters – Previously enrolled at Hinds Community College

Cassie McDuffy -Enrolled at Hinds Community College in Social Work; Promotion from Telephone Operator to Time Keeper in Patient Care Services.

Allison Spencer – Promotion from Telephone Operator to Medical Support Assistant in Medical Administration Service

Beverly Jones – Promotion as Supply Technician in Inventory Management Distribution

Esha Henry – Promotion as Supervisor in the Veteran Canteen Service

Darryl Jamison – Promotion from Housekeeping Aid to Maintenance Helper in Facility Management Service

Allen Mitchell – Promotion from Food Service Worker to Nursing Assistant in Patient Care Services

Evieta Hayes – Promotion from Food Service Worker to Nursing Assistant in Patient Care Services

The SAW Alumni has established a SAW Community Service Outreach Committee to organize a project and give back to VA and the community. They have also been involved in the recruitment, interview, and selection process to determine future SAW candidates.

In order to encourage new SAW members and to network and share career goals and accomplishments, the current SAW Class hosts an annual SAW Alumni Retreat. Former graduates reflect on benefits they gained, the coaches report on the return-on-investment (ROI), and graduates volunteer to sign up as potential coaches/mentors for future SAW classes.

SAW program is developed by the Catalyst Learning in Louisville, KY. It is a proven tool to grow your own workforce. It is an annual six-eight month program designed to prepare employees for continuing their education in healthcare and/or transitioning from entry-level jobs into clinical, clerical, supervisory, and support positions. Studies have shown that employees who complete SAW have increased job performance, morale, and are better equipped to enter local certificate or degree programs. A minimum ninth-grade reading level is recommended for success. It is a program definitely for medical centers that want to nurture and advance the entry-level employee.

Alumni and Current SAW Students Progress Report

When surveyed, all students reported they found the SAW program to be a great learning opportunity!

James Mallett – Promotion from Housekeeping Aid to Housekeeping Aid Supervisor. Participated and graduated in the Emerging VA Leaders (EVAL) Program after attending SAW.

Raymond Travis – Promotion from Housekeeping Aid, WG-2 to WG-3. Doashey Fanroy – Enrolled in school at Mississippi College in Sociology Lenoria Murriel – Enrolled in school at Copiah-Lincoln for RN Degree. Has an LPN Degree Julliee Shaver – Enrolled in school at Southwest University (On-Line) in Social Work; Induction

into the National League Scholar Program for a consistent high GPA. Alberta Miller – Enrolled in school at Hinds Community College-pending the LPN night program Melissa Teeters – Previously enrolled at Hinds Community College Cassie McDuffy -Enrolled at Hinds Community College in Social Work; Promotion from

Telephone Operator to Time Keeper in Patient Care Services. Allison Spencer – Promotion from Telephone Operator to Medical Support Assistant in Medical

Administration Service Beverly Jones – Promotion as Supply Technician in Inventory Management Distribution Esha Henry – Promotion as Supervisor in the Veteran Canteen Service Darryl Jamison – Promotion from Housekeeping Aid to Maintenance Helper in Facility

Management Service Allen Mitchell – Promotion from Food Service Worker to Nursing Assistant in Patient Care

Services Evieta Hayes – Promotion from Food Service Worker to Nursing Assistant in Patient Care

Services