Jodi Evans Supports Families in Putnam County Through Education, Stability, and Strong Connections

In Putnam County, Empower Upper Cumberland Navigator Jodi Evans is helping individuals move past the barriers that often stand between them and a more stable future. Her work is shaped by years of experience in higher education, where she frequently met students who wanted to improve their lives but were blocked by the cost of tuition and limited access to financial aid. Those early experiences continue to inform her approach today as she supports families who are trying to overcome similar challenges.

Jodi understands the realities facing many households, including the impact of benefit cliffs. Families who experience even a small increase in income can sometimes lose essential supports at the very moment they are trying to take a positive step forward. Her own personal challenges have given her insight into what these moments feel like, and she uses that understanding to help participants navigate decisions that affect their stability.

A significant part of Jodi’s work includes guiding individuals toward educational and employment opportunities that fit their goals. She encourages the development of dependable workplace habits and emphasizes the importance of building strong professional networks. These practical skills often make a meaningful difference in a person's ability to find and keep sustainable employment.

Jodi measures success in a variety of ways. Some achievements are major milestones, such as completing training or securing a better job. Others are smaller victories, including consistent follow through, improved confidence, or steady progress toward long-term goals. All of these steps contribute to greater stability for the families she serves.

Through her work as a Navigator with Empower Upper Cumberland, Jodi Evans continues to support Putnam County residents as they work to overcome barriers, strengthen their employment prospects, and build pathways toward a more secure future. Workforce Connections is proud to partner with Empower Upper Cumberland and to help provide the workforce resources, training access, and employer relationships that make this progress possible across the region.