A Note from Karen Tollenaar Demorest |
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I’m delighted to introduce you to our wonderful new leader at YJC. WELCOME Lucretzia (Cree) M. Jamison!!
Leadership transitions can be tough. During transitions funders can adopt a “wait and see” approach holding off on supporting or increasing grants, staff can experience the anxiety of the unknown, and partnerships need to build new trust. There are many factors that not only compromise the forward trajectory of an organization, they also unintentionally reduce services for the participants. At YJC, board and staff are doing everything we can to avoid this, and we ask you to stay with us throughout this transition, in whatever role you play. Let’s create a new opportunity as we work together as agencies, funders, boards, partners and stakeholders to make sure we continue our strong support for young people.
During this transition, Cree and I are having a great time learning where we are similar and different. We are both passionate about the work of YJC. We have strong opinions and ideas about the systemic changes that need to happen. We love road trips. We both have experienced being a single parent. We each drive old cars because we’re pragmatic. And we both came into this month of shared leadership wanting to learn as much from each other as possible. And unlike me, she brings an amazing knowledge of workforce development from her 22 years in the field.
And here’s a little more about Cree. When she participated in our benefit on April 28, she won the hearts of everyone in the room with her charisma and genuine warmth. She walked into the space already knowing the names and roles of our staff, as well as board members, and asked thoughtful questions about specific programs and projects. It was a joy to watch!
During her first week and onboarding with YJC, Cree shared with me,. “This transition of work has been like no other I’ve experienced. The positive energy from the current leader and other support partners have given me such a fruitful beginning to my role. YJC has a great team and board which has been cultivated from genuine care for the work and mission of the organization.”
Welcome Cree! And my only regret is that I only get to work with you for a month.
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Entrepreneurship and Innovation Program
Our newly formed Entrepreneurship and Innovation Program, in partnership with Northwestern University and Oakton Community College, launched in early April. The goal of the program is to teach future entrepreneurs essential skills and strategies to develop and manage innovative programs. Online courses are designed to inspire, engage, and inform participants through a two-part series.
Nine participants completed the initial 4-week Bridge Phase of the program. During this time, participants were able to bring their ideas, interests, skills and experiences, and gain comprehensive guidance and support around business development and financial literacy.
Participants are now in the third week of the Incubator Phase where they are receiving one-on-one, individualized, sessions to ensure that they are actively checking off boxes to starting their business. Participants have been going on site visits that relate to their interests and experiencing group success series sessions where local entrepreneurs speak to specific topics. For example, participants will learn about goal-setting and staying motivated during challenging times.
The program is scheduled to end in early July. Participants will have the opportunity to "pitch" their business idea to local entrepreneurs, with a graduation to follow.
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YJC Receives Funding from Illinois' Job Training and Economic Development Program (JTED)
YJC is one of 44 community-based organizations to receive funding through the JTED grant from the state of Illinois. $20 million of investments were made across various organizations for workforce training and wrap-around services that will bolster equitable workforce recovery for those struggling to gain meaningful employment. JTED will serve more than 2,500 individuals across the state, with a special training focus on industries hardest-hit by the pandemic. JTED is part of Illinois’ workforce recovery efforts funded through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).
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Participant of the Month
Since her engagement in YJC’s Career Pathways Program, Breyouna’s passion has been to secure a long-term career in the healthcare industry. From March 2022 through April 2022, Breyouna participated in the Basic Nurse Assistant Training Program at The Nirvana Institute. In April 2022, after completing the 80 hours of theory and 40 clinical hours needed to take the national certification exam, Breyouna is one step close to taking her American Medical Certification Association License to become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA). Breyouna is schedule to take her licensing exam in June 2022 and feels confident that she will pass.
Currently, Breyouna is employed full-time at Warren Barr (South Loop) as a Nursing Assistant! YJC is ecstatic about the excellent CNA Breyouna has become and all the people she will support in the medical field using her skills, empathy, and love for helping others.
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Thank You for Attending our Annual Benefit!
Thank you for supporting Youth Job Center and our Annual Benefit! We could not do it without you and the numbers speak for themselves. Over 125 guests enjoyed our first in-person event in 3 years. We raised over $150,000 as we celebrated the departure of outgoing Executive Director Karen Tollenaar Demorest after 8 years leading our organization. As we get ready to celebrate 40 years, we welcomed incoming Executive Director Lucretzia Jamison with special appearances from founder Ann Jennett and former Executive Director Sacella Smith. Thank you for joining us and making it such a memorable night. Your support has helped thousands of young people create a future for themselves, TODAY!
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Looking for a job?
If you've been looking for work, or are having trouble landing a job, then come to one of our Work Readiness Training sessions. Work Readiness Training prepares youth 18-25 years of age to succeed in finding and keeping a job. If you are interested in attending one, please click here to learn more!
Upcoming Work Readiness Training sessions:
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June 6th - 10th and June 13th - 17th, Monday - Thursday from 3PM - 5PM, Friday 10AM - 12PM
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June 19th - 24th and June 27th - July 1st, Monday - Thursday from 3PM - 5PM, Friday 10AM - 12PM
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Meet the YJC Team
Meet Peter! Peter has been with YJC for almost three years working as a CORE Career Advisor, where he provides our participants with career advising and employment support. Peter loves working with Chicagoland’s youth to define and achieve their goals and shared the holistic approach YJC has when working with youth is what drew him to the organization.
Peter shared the biggest piece of advice he would give today’s youth is that it’s alright if you are unsure of what you want to do as a career. The fact that you are working with YJC means that you have taken the first step towards figuring things out and Peter is happy and excited to support you on that journey.
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