Jessica Cobb is a mother of four children, ages 9, 8, 5, and 2, who is beginning her internship at Sierra Wind this summer. She will be leading a support group for new and expectant mothers. This will lead to permanent full-time employment for her. When asked about her experiences with the program, Jessica says that she absolutely loves it. She relates one hundred percent to the subject areas and has found new ways to understand family members who are challenged with addiction and mental illness. Jessica did not know anything about the MHSA program when she just “walked in the office” one day. But a skillful interview by our staff revealed that she would most likely qualify for the program.

MHSA students must meet income requirements, live in Amador County, and, ideally have had personal experience with social or behavioral issues. Jessica has completed the program in almost record time, taking two or three classes at a time. She is now pursuing her AA degree in Human Services and hopes to eventually obtain her Bachelor’s degree. For a student who began with an unfocused desire for school, Jessica has sharply honed her skills and career. We expect her to be a professional asset to the mental health community in Amador County for many years to come.

His dedication to ACC is based on his passion to create educational opportunities within the county in order to promote economic vitality and job creation. As a businessman, he has often found it difficult to recruit trained and talented workers. “Of course, it would be great to have our own community college right here, but, until that day comes, ACC offers the kind of help local people need to begin or continue their college education. I am extremely grateful for our partner organizations who provide support and grants, and I would also love to see us have sustainable funding in recognition of all the assistance we provide students.

Michael Garcia has been in the Culinary Apprentice program for just over two years, and he will become certified in Food Service Management at the end of this semester. The program is a joint venture among Amador College Connect, the Jackson Rancheria, and Columbia College. Michael has been cooking for ten years, eight of them at Casino restaurants. “I would work there until retirement if possible. They gave me a second chance after my checkered performance in high school and set me on a career path. Where else do you have a great job and they say, ‘We’ll pay for you to go to college’? I’m also grateful to Amador College Connect for their support and assistance. After certification, I plan to continue on to my AA degree.

"Even though I was an experienced cook, the courses I’ve taken through this apprenticeship really showed me how to do things professionally and correctly. My access to teachers, mentors, tools, and equipment has been unparalleled. Personally, my family has also benefited from my learning to cook healthier food──especially my older son who is on the autism spectrum. My wife and I have been together for 13 years, and have two sons, four and two years old. In the apprenticeship program, I have come to see learning as a way to experience and enjoy life, rather than a chore. This has been a great gift."