emergency management . There he completed tasks such as assisting in building a database and building safety manuals and distributing them to different departments . It was during his third rotation that Copenhaver was hired into the central transportation department .
Besides a sustainable job , Copenhaver says the most important thing he has gained from the program is a new mindset . The program pushed him to be more social , created self-confidence and gave him a positive outlook that led to a dedication to his career and passion for his hobbies .
“ If I never went through the program , I would never have achieved as much ,” he says .
WVABLE
By Roxanne Clay WVABLE Savings Program Director
When Logan Campbell of Elkins , WV , was 3 years old , he was diagnosed with autism . This diagnosis didn ’ t slow him or his parents down as they set out on a journey of ensuring Campbell received the educational and career training opportunities needed for achieving success and living a life of greater independence . He and his parents , as well as hundreds of West Virginians with disabilities , give credit to WVABLE , a savings and investment program that helps West Virginians achieve greater independence and financial security . WVABLE is a program of the West Virginia Treasurer ’ s Office that allows eligible individuals to save and invest tax-free , without jeopardizing eligibility for critical public benefits such as Supplemental Security Income and Medicaid .
When the WVABLE program launched in February 2018 , Campbell was the first to enroll . Just three years prior , his mother , Denise Campbell , a delegate in the West Virginia House serving in the 43rd district , was the lead sponsor for the WVABLE Act , or House Bill 2902 . Over the last five and a half years , Logan and his parents built up savings in his WVABLE account by rolling over funds from a SMART529 education savings account . Additionally , Logan is currently working 20 hours a week at the Elkins U . S . Forest Service through the Buckhannon-Upshur Work
Adjustment Center . Logan is saving his employment earnings in his WVABLE account to help pay for his expenses . Leading up to Logan ’ s employment , it has been a long road of hard work and dedication , earning many accomplishments along the way .
Logan Campbell .
Throughout his teen years , Logan completed classes at the Randolph Technical Center working on small engines and graduated with a modified diploma from Elkins High School , earning membership in the National Honor Society . Logan also worked with the West Virginia Division of Rehabilitation Services in Randolph County to assess and develop career goals , including working with a rehabilitation specialist to obtain a driver ’ s license prior to graduation . This was a proud moment and a key aspect toward Logan obtaining independence and employment , especially given the challenges of living in a rural area . Along with his employment , Logan is currently auditing courses and experiencing college life through the D & E Naylor Center at Davis & Elkins College . Throughout his journey , his WVABLE savings account has provided him and his family with a vehicle to save funds to pay for a variety of qualified disability expenses including transportation , training and everyday living expenses such as food and clothing .
SPOKES
By Heather Bayne Marion County SPOKES Instructor
Haley Cosner entered Strategic Planning in Occupational Knowledge for Employment and Success ( SPOKES ) in February 2020 and since that time she has been on track to improve her life in and out of the workplace . When Cosner entered SPOKES , she had a list of obstacles she needed to overcome . A single mother living with her own mother and children , she was at the beginning of her journey to recovery , had no driver ’ s license , no job and had to find the money to pay for her DUI classes — all while learning to live life sober . Then , the COVID-19 pandemic happened and left Cosner working on SPOKES and trying to teach her children from home .
Cosner admitted that she had terrible time management , could not stay organized and desperately needed structure . She started the learning process so that she could better help her children and herself when she gained employment . She learned to set small goals for herself that would boost her confidence and encourage her to set bigger goals for her family . Through SPOKES , she learned how to create a routine for herself and for her children . She devoted herself to change .
Haley Cosner .
Cosner completed multiple certifications through SPOKES , including the WorkKeys Assessment , Work Essentials , Money Essentials , CSM Certification , Computer Essentials Gold Level , Customer Service and WV Welcome , and she earned her food handlers card . She had to learn how to budget money with the help of Money Essentials , and after saving , she had the money to complete the course in November 2021 that made her eligible for a car from the Good News Mountaineer Garage .
Cosner then set her big goal to give back what she learned through SPOKES to others who are facing the
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