RINCON — Thanks to some hardworking volunteers and donors, Ready2CONNECT is more prepared than ever to help Effingham County residents improve their employment prospects.

On Feb. 2, the nonprofit organization, formerly known as Effingham County CONNECT, conducted a ribbon cutting to celebrate its first year of independence at its renovated space at 711 Zitterour Drive.

“I just want to see thank you all to my community partners and the (Ready2CONNECT) board,” said Destiny Bradshaw, Ready2CONNECT executive director before employing the scissors. “For you to give the time and energy that you do to the organization is priceless. I really am touched by the support.”

Ready2CONNECT used to operate under the auspices of United Way. United Way still provides part of its funding.

“This is our third year,” Bradshaw said. “The first year we spent just trying to get our footing and last year we went through the renovation. This year we have a setting to really help people.”

Ready2CONNECT offers career training and literacy programs for those who or unemployed or underemployed.

“When you are unemployed, you don’t want to go into a place that is depressing,” Bradshaw said. “It’s depressing and a little humiliating, and degrading to be unemployed.”

DRT America played a major role in making Ready2CONNECT’s offices and lab more inviting.

“I would to thank DRT for renovating the space and making it more empowering for people to come in and get back to work,” Bradshaw said.