August 2026: Impact in Action

AUGUST 2026 ISSUE

Feature Story

Who Gets to Be Part of the Future of Work?

As we get ready to celebrate Labor Day, Eckerd Connects President & CEO Michael D. Smith is asking a bigger question: Who gets to be part of the future of work? Drawing on nearly 60 years of Eckerd’s experience—and his own family’s journey—Michael explores why skills and job training alone aren’t enough to create lasting economic mobility. Transportation, childcare, mental health, trusted relationships and family stability can all determine whether someone is able to get on a pathway to opportunity.

In The News

Fox 13 Highlights Pinellas Job Corps Following Settlement

Fox 13 Tampa Bay recently featured Pinellas County Job Corps following an August 10 settlement in the student lawsuit challenging the Department of Labor's planned closure of contractor-operated Job Corps campuses. While a separate lawsuit remains in mediation, Job Corps campuses have continued recruiting, training and serving students since a federal judge temporarily halted the shutdown effort in June 2025. The settlement officially rescinds the closure and contract cancellation notices.

Watch the Story

Coming Home: Michael D. Smith on Echoes of Us

Eckerd Connects President & CEO Michael D. Smith recently joined the Echoes of Us podcast to reflect on growing up in Springfield, Massachusetts, and the people and experiences that shaped his commitment to service. In the conversation, he shares how the power of community and opportunity influenced a journey that led from Springfield to national leadership roles and ultimately to Eckerd Connects.

Watch the Conversation

A Lasting Impact for Osceola Youth

Our Prevention Services team was recently featured in the Osceola Star for collaborating with Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Florida and artist David "Dez" Zambrano to help youth explore healthy relationships, communication, and positive decision-making through interactive discussion and art.

Read the Story

Family Services Spotlight

From inspiring client achievements to strong community partnerships, the August Family Services newsletter celebrates the people and programs making a difference every day. Explore the latest stories and see how Family Services is creating positive outcomes across the communities we serve.

Read the Newsletter

Chick-fil-A Visit Inspires Students

Kittrell Job Corps students recently welcomed representatives from Chick-fil-A, including the iconic Chick-fil-A Cow, for an engaging campus visit featuring prizes, activities, and words of encouragement. The event was also featured in the Henderson Dispatch and highlighted the value of community partnerships in supporting student success.

Read the Story

Collective Impact

Celebrating Job Corps Graduates

Over the past several weeks, approximately 350 young adults graduated from Eckerd Connects-operated Job Corps campuses and took the next step toward careers, military service, and higher education. Graduates entering the workforce are earning an average starting wage of more than $20 per hour, and 87% of graduates go on to employment, military enlistment, or continued education. A special commencement message from President and CEO Michael D. Smith reminded graduates that this milestone is not just about what they have completed, but what they can build next.

Shaping the Future of Work

How can we ensure more people have access to opportunity in a rapidly changing economy? Those questions took center stage as President & CEO Michael D. Smith moderated a discussion at Mosaic on the Vineyard and co-hosted, with the Kapor Center, a salon dinner bringing together national leaders to explore Opportunity Youth, AI, and the future of work.

See the Highlights

Celebrating 12 Years of Impact Together

Children and families across Western North Carolina have found support through Caring for Children's traditional and therapeutic foster care services and free foster parent training programs for more than a decade. As the organization marks 12 years with Eckerd Connects, the milestone highlights a partnership rooted in strengthening families and expanding opportunities for children.

Reflect on the Journey

Community Impact

When partners see youth turn hard work into achievement, reaching goals, and building brighter futures, they can’t help but believe in what’s possible and grow alongside us. Thanks to our good friends at Excellere IT Services for investing in our clients' futures!

It’s also back to school time and that means more than new classes. It’s a chance for a young person to take the next step toward a brighter future. Your support provides the tools that help make that step possible, from school supplies and technology to certification fees and career training.

Be the bridge that helps a young person move from potential to opportunity and give a gift to help them take the next step!

ss al programs are still successful one year after completing services.

Donate Today

Program Highlights

A Milestone Worth Celebrating

Miracle is turning hard work into opportunity. The Pittsburgh Job Corps Certified Medical Assistant student recently passed her National Healthcareer Association Certified Clinical Medical Assistant exam on her first attempt and accepted a position with Kids Plus Pediatrics, where she'll begin her healthcare career earning $22 per hour.

Celebrate Her Success

One Step Closer

When Tyrone came to Kittrell Job Corps, he was determined to create a better future for himself and his daughter. After earning his Certified Nursing Assistant license and completing the Career Preparation Program, he's now pursuing a Medical Administrative Assistant certification and continuing his journey toward a career in nursing.

Watch Tyrone's Story

Building Momentum

At 19, Jason was determined to create new opportunities for himself and help support his family. Through Eckerd Connects' Youth Connections program in Vero Beach, he earned his GED, gained valuable work experience, and built the confidence to pursue his goals. Today, he's celebrating an important milestone: securing his first real job as a Stock Assistant with United Against Poverty.

Take A Closer Look

From Goal to Career

Nancy knew that furthering her education would be key to creating the future she wanted for her family. With support from the WIOA program through the Missouri Job Center in Sedalia, operated by Eckerd Connects, she earned both her LPN credential and RN degree, turning her determination into a rewarding career as a Registered Nurse at Royal Oaks Hospital.

See What's Possible

Finding Her Way Forward

After the unexpected loss of her fiancé, Catherine faced a period of grief, depression, and uncertainty about what came next. With support from family, friends, and Eckerd Connects' Family Services, she found a safe place to call home and the stability she needed to begin healing. Today, she's embracing a more hopeful future and discovering joy in the everyday moments that once felt out of reach.

Read Catherine's Story

The Legacy Lives On

Former Camp E-Ma-Etu campers recently returned to the Eckerd Connects Boys Residential Academy in Boomer, North Carolina, to share their experiences, reconnect, and inspire current students as part of Camp Legacy Day. The gathering sparked conversations about mentorship and highlighted the lasting impact of a community that continues to shape lives long after camp ends.

Where Legacy Lives

Upcoming Events & Activities

Upcoming Observances

September is a time to recognize the power of opportunity, growth, and connection. As we observe Workforce Development Month and celebrate Labor Day, we honor the dedication of workers, employers, and community partners who help individuals build meaningful careers and brighter futures. Throughout the month, we also recognize the importance of recovery, mental health, literacy, and family support, all of which contribute to stronger communities and lasting success.

September 5 — International Day of Charity

The generosity of donors, volunteers, employers, and community partners helps Eckerd Connects expand opportunities and create brighter futures for those we serve.

September 7 — Labor Day

Labor Day reflects the importance of meaningful work and celebrates our efforts to connect individuals across the country to training, education, and career opportunities that lead to economic mobility.

September 8 — International Literacy Day

Literacy and education are foundational to success, supporting the academic, workforce, and life goals of young people and adults served through Eckerd Connects programs.

September 10 — World Suicide Prevention Day

Strong support systems, caring connections, and access to resources can change lives, reinforcing our commitment to helping individuals overcome challenges and achieve their goals.

September 12 — National Day of Encouragement

Encouragement can be a powerful catalyst for growth, helping participants build the confidence needed to pursue education, employment, and personal success.

September 22 — National Family Day

Strong families help create strong communities, and Eckerd Connects is proud to support programs that promote stability, resilience, and lasting family connections.

September 26 — National Family Health & Fitness Day

Physical, emotional, and mental well-being play an important role in helping individuals and families thrive both at home and in the workplace.

September Highlights

Workforce Development Month

Workforce Development Month recognizes Eckerd Connects' role in helping thousands of young people and adults nationwide prepare for meaningful careers through Job Corps, workforce development services, education, training, and employer partnerships.

National Recovery Month

Recovery Month recognizes the strength of individuals overcoming challenges and highlights the importance of supportive services, career pathways, and opportunities that help people move forward.

National Suicide Prevention Month

This month serves as a reminder that hope, connection, and access to support can make a difference, and that mental well-being is essential to long-term success.

Upcoming Events

Spirit 5K for E-Nini Hassee

Laundry of Love

Recovery Month recognizes the strength of individuals overcoming challenges and highlights the importance of supportive services, career pathways, and opportunities that help people move forward.

Eckerd Connects | 100 N. Starcrest Drive | Clearwater, FL 33765 US

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