At 81 years old, Ms. Rose LaCasse proves that it’s never too late to make a difference. After spending many years as a devoted caregiver to her ailing husband, Ms. LaCasse found herself seeking a new purpose and income through employment. Driven by a desire to serve and connect with others, she turned to the NCWorks Rowan Career Center for support, a decision that would launch her into a remarkable new chapter through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) On-the-Job Training (OJT) program.
Despite initial challenges in finding a position that aligned with her skillset, Ms. LaCasse remained committed. She participated in job readiness workshops, took career assessments and scored high in the areas of investment, social and conventional: indicators that pointed to a career in education. That’s when Frances Thornton, Business Services Representative for NCWorks Rowan, stepped in to help match Rose with a role that would allow her to thrive.
Thanks to Thornton’s professional relationship with Christina Rary, Executive Director of the Rowan County Literacy Council (RCLC), a unique OJT opportunity was created specifically for Rose. She officially enrolled in WIOA on November 5, 2024, and began working as an Adult Tutor with RCLC on November 18, 2024.
According to Rary, the RCLC had a growing waitlist of adults eager to access Adult Basic Education, ESL and GED tutoring despite over 60 volunteer tutors contributing more than 2,500 hours to programs. Through its partnership with NCWorks, RCLC was able to expand its capacity by hiring Rose, whose passion for learning and teaching quickly made her a cherished asset to the team.
In her new role, Ms. LaCasse provides individualized and small-group instruction to diverse adult learners. Many of her students credit her with helping them gain confidence, secure promotions, succeed in college courses and even improve communication with their children’s teachers. Her impact is both profound and personal.
One student from Honduras shared, “Ms. Rose is so patient and always answers my questions… she teaches me about so many different things.” His improved English skills led to a promotion from machine operator to manufacturing supervisor. A student from Ukraine described how Rose’s tutoring allowed her to move from a night shift to a day job, giving her peace of mind in knowing that her daughter was no longer home alone at night.
Students consistently describe Rose as “patient, kind, intelligent and easy to talk to.” As one student put it, “She always finds a way to teach me more than grammar; she teaches me about life.”
Ms. LaCasse’s story is a powerful testament to the transformative power of lifelong learning and the opportunities that WIOA offers individuals of all ages. Through the Centralina Workforce Development Board-funded OJT program, she not only gained valuable skills but also made a meaningful impact on her community. For her incredible dedication and service, Ms. LaCasse has been nominated to receive the NC Governor’s NCWorks Award of Distinction as Rowan County’s Outstanding Adult.
Her journey reminds us all that success has no age limit and that passion, determination and purpose can guide us to make a difference at any stage of life.
To learn more about our OJT program, contact WDB Director David Hollars.
