CARIBOU, Maine — The Caribou City Council unanimously recognized the work of the Loring Job Corps Center, a Limestone-based organization that provides residential training and education for area youths in preparation for future jobs, college or the military.
In addition to formal recognition, the city also voted to establish May 18 as “Loring Job Corps Day.”
Mayor Mark Goughan asked Councilor Nicole Cote, who also serves as the Job Corps Administration director, to read the official declaration.
“The Loring Job Corps Center continues to be an important facet of our workforce development system and has a proven record of success in preparing disadvantaged youth to obtain and hold a job or pursue opportunities in higher education,” Cote read from the statement.
The city also recognized the center’s community focus and involvement in numerous local events. The Job Corps Honor Guard, which consists of students in the facility’s military preparation program, attends every local veteran ceremony and parade. It also goes on trips throughout the country, including visits to the State House in Augusta as well as Washington, D.C.
In addition to preparing youth for the military, Job Corps also trains young people for several trades, including carpentry, cement masonry, a certified nurse assistant, computer networking and heavy truck driving. Students in these programs often volunteer their time to local businesses and organizations, such as the United Veterans of Maine and the Bread of Life Kitchen in Caribou.
“The center and students have contributed thousands of hours of community and support to civic and veteran organizations and have made Caribou a priority in their daily operations,” Cote read.
Caribou’s statement concluded that the city is “so proud of the many young people who took the challenge to join this program and make a better life for themselves and those around them. Their contributions cannot be overstated, and we look forward to watching their continued development.”
Councilors added no further comments, but all voted in favor of the resolution.
