May 2016

 
The last day to apply for the 2016 Summer Learn & Earn Program is Monday, May 9th 2016. To apply, visit www.Jobs4Summer.org!

AUNO Program Success Story
 
The AUNO program would like to acknowledge Daniel and Wayne Eackles. Daniel and Wayne were referred to the AUNO program from Northside Common Ministries. They both attended our February 1st, 2016 week-long Job Readiness Training program. They both were very positive, respectful, and eager to learn. They both did a great job and successfully completed the program. 

Daniel and Wayne came back to the program the following week to participate in our Supplemental Training week. One of the presenters that week was Job Corps. Both young men expressed a strong interest in getting involved with Job Corps. The AUNO staff was determined to assist with making the connection so they both could enroll. Daniel and Wayne are currently enrolled in Job Corps in Kentucky. Wayne is pursuing a career as a Registered Nurse and Daniel is pursuing a career in Business Administration. 

Daniel is also currently taking Driver's Education classes and is working on receiving his license, which is a part of his Business Administration program. These two young men keep in touch with the AUNO team on a regular basis to update us on their progress.  We are very proud of them both and are always willing to provide our support! 

Youth News: 


RISE Program
RISE continues to provide its construction/ facilities maintenance training program. To date, 11 individuals have earned their Pre-Apprenticeship Certificate in Building Construction Technology, 3 individuals have received their GED, and several have taken and passed at least one section of their GED test.
 
Our second joint RISE and JumpStart Success completion ceremony was a success. RISE had 7 completers, 5 with their Pre-Apprenticeship Certificate and 2 with their GED certificate. We would like to thank the RISE participants, Goodwill and Youthworks staff, family, and friends for supporting our participants. 
 
During April, RISE youth returned to the KaBoom! Project playground site in Duquesne for Earth Day. Students made a master list in March of items that needed to be fixed and how the playground could be touched up. Students added lattice to the benches, repaired wooden tables and garbage receptacles, tightened play features of the playground, mulched, and landscaped the area. 
 
RISE participants also toured the Electrical Union after many participants expressed interest in the field. An in-depth tour was provided, and discussions on how to apply to the union as well as work place expectations were also provided.


GoodGuides
This month youth from the GoodGuides program participated in a lot of exciting events. Youth from the Duquesne Boys and Girls Club and 2400 participated in an Etiquette Workshop facilitated by Michele Goodman-Jones. Youth learned proper dining etiquette and they even learned how to use chop sticks!
 
The Duquesne Boys & Girls Club also participated in a CPR Certification class where 20 youth learned proper techniques and became certified in CPR.
 
The GoodGuides 2400 group also took a trip to The Heinz History Center this month where they learned about the evolution of toys from the "Toys of the '50s, '60s and '70s" exhibit.
 
Many GoodGuides youth have had the opportunity to learn how to Eat Fresh and Eat Healthy thanks to Gaynor School of Cooking! Youth have learned how to make:
Chicken Fajita Salad, Fruit Kabobs, Grilled Pizza, Fresh Tomato Sauce and Pasta, Chocolate Mousse and Chocolate Brownies.


Action Day at the State Capitol building
In April, several YouthWorks students traveled to Harrisburg for Action Day at the State Capitol building. Youth had the chance to meet with legislators and share testimonials as to why after-school programming was important to them. Students had several great opportunities, including Ash-Shahadah McEachin who gave colorful commentary on the Saturday Light Brigade Radio Show and Kayla Klink spoke during a rally in the main rotunda!



Below is a quote from Asha on her experience:
 
"I wanted to experience something new and be in a different atmosphere," Asha said. "The architecture of the Capitol building was so beautiful and to see all the people, cameras, legislators and chaos was very exciting.
 
"While being in Harrisburg, I learned how to conduct and carry myself in a professional environment," Asha added. "This opportunity made me feel more comfortable when speaking to adults. It also made feel like I mattered and that I had a voice. Not only was it just my voice but a voice on behalf of all the youth in the HIRE Me program."  

 

HIRE Me Program College Visits
The HIRE Me program has been keeping busy with career exploration activities and providing our young people with exposure to post-secondary education information by offering college visits as an option. We attended two schools during the month of April: 165 youth toured Edinboro University and 11 youth toured Clarion University. Youth learned about the various majors and programs, the requirements for admissions, and experienced campus life by touring each school's learning and living space.


Mock Interviews
All YouthWorks participants will get a chance to experience a mock interview in May! If you are interested in serving as a volunteer for this important experience, please contact Sophia Duck at Sophia.duck@goodwillswpa.org.

MAY JOB TIP:


"There is no such thing as an unimportant job.  Every job is an opportunity for you to develop and increase your skills.  So don't just focus on what you are doing for your job, pay attention to what your job is doing to help develop you."     
- Felicia Davis, Employment & Life Skills Specialist 
Youth Advisory Council
We are now accepting applications for our 2016- 2017 Youth Advisory Council. As members of our council, students will take action through service projects and volunteering while gaining experiential learning. 

Members must be rising 9th graders through rising 12th graders and must attend a high school within Allegheny County.  Space is limited - students must apply and have a teacher, mentor, clergy member, etc. send in a nomination form, both which are linked below. Applications and nominations must be received no later than May 31, 2016.  Please contact Chris Hawthorne at
chawthorne@pittsburghcares.org with any questions.

Application: 
Click here

Nomination Form: 
Click here
Upcoming YouthWorks Events
AUNO: For more information, please contact Keith Johnson, AUNO Program Coordinator, at 412-281-6629 or keith.johnson@goodwillswpa.org:
 
    • Monday, May 9 - 10am - 3pm - My Money My Life: Learn how to set financial goals, understand credit, save money, invest money, manage debt, and how to avoid predatory lenders.   
        
    • Tuesday, May 10 - 10am - 3pm - My Money My Life: Learn how to set financial goals, understand credit, save money, invest money, manage debt, and how to avoid predatory lenders.    
       
    • Wednesday, May 11th - 10am-12pm -Job Corps
        

    • Thursday, May 12th - 10am-12pm- Smoking Cessation
       
    • Thursday, May 12th - 1pm-3pm - Three Rivers Youth: Provides culturally sensitive services to youth that help them focus on their quality of life, specializing in substance abuse, prevention, intervention and treatment.
       
    • Friday, May 13th - 10am-3pm - Dr. Mark Lepore, Ph.D., LPC, LCSW: Dr. Lepore is a professor at Clarion University. He does workshops on emotional well-being. Topics include conflict resolution, resiliency, healthy relationships, identifying and overcoming barriers, setting and achieving goals, stress management, and anger management. His workshops are always interactive and very lively.
  • RISE: RISE graduates who are interested in touching up their resume or job searching with our employment specialist are asked to call 412-632-1742. Job search times are Tuesdays from 1pm-4pm at our Southside location. During these times, you are also welcome to touch base with Ms. Whitney.

COMMUNITY RESOURCES & EVENTS

PITTSBURGH JOB CORPS 
Job Corps is a no-cost education and career technical training program administered by the U.S. Department of Labor that helps young people ages 16 through 24 improve the quality of their lives through career technical and academic training. Learn more at pittsburgh.jobcorps.gov or call (800) 733-JOBS.
  
BIDWELL TRAINING CENTER (BTC) 
BTC offers career training and graduate job placement assistance at no-cost to residents of Pennsylvania with a high school diploma or GED. BTC was recently recognized by The Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC) as a 2011-2012 SCHOOL OF EXCELLENCE! To find out how to start the admissions process and change your life, contact BTC at 412-323-4000 ext. 150, or www.bidwell-training.org.
  
JOB & CAREER EDUCATION CENTER (JCEC) AND PC CENTER 
The Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh's JCEC program provides trainings and workshops, speaker series, and job leads located right in the heart of Oakland! View their employment resources calendar of events! Don't forget to sign up for their JobWire e-newsletter.
 
DRESS FOR SUCCESS 
This organization is dedicated to assisting women in becoming ready for the workforce by providing professional attire and career development tools for work and life. For more information call 412-201-4204 or visit www.dressforsuccess.org. Location: The Design Center, 5001 Baum Boulevard, Suite 550

GOODWILL OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
Goodwill of Southwestern Pennsylvania is a human service agency and network of not-for-profit businesses whose mission is to help people improve their quality of life through work and related services. Dozens of employment opportunities are always available at Goodwill of Southwestern Pennsylvania. Click here for employment opportunities.
  
CAREERLINK WORKSHOPS 
  
PITTSBURGH CARES VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES 

YouthWorks
  401 Wood Street Suite 1500
Pittsburgh, PA 15222
Phone: (412) 281-6629
Fax: (412) 281-6678
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