Published by Strictly Business Omaha
Youth Emergency Services (YES) is excited to announce it has received a one-time $30,000 gift from United Way of the Midlands to fund Youth Emergency Services’ Partnership for Youth Job Skill Development (job readiness) program. YES’s job readiness program helps youth aged 16-24 identify long-term career interests, pursue education goals, learn appropriate job applicant behavior, and seek and obtain employment.
A job readiness coordinator, a community advisory council, and partnerships with area businesses and schools provides: Thorough assessments of current education and employability status; Personalized guidance in development of long-term career/education goals; Instruction in basic pre -employment skills: interviewing, resumes, networking, communication, search strategies, role-playing, teamwork, problem solving, critical thinking and professionalism; Transportation to and from interviews, job fairs, job trainings and employment; Volunteer opportunities to enhance social skills and be exposed to work environments; and Support from area businesses.
The ACT National Career Readiness Certificate, an industry-recognized credential that identifies skills required for virtually any job, is utilized.
With the help of this grant, YES is able to help youth from any of YES’ programs (Emergency Shelter, Transitional Living program, Maternity Home, or accessing services at the Street Outreach Center) and will complement YES’s current continuum of care by filling the gaps in each participant’s education and work experience. Youth must be aged 16-24, able to commit to six weeks of structured training sessions and hands-on work experience, and have a desire to work and make progress toward their educational and career goals.
Youth Emergency Services is the only nonprofit in Omaha with the sole mission to help youth experiencing homelessness and near-homelessness in the community. Last year, YES provided support and services to more than 3,000 youth in the Omaha metro area. Many of these youth have been physically, emotionally or sexually abused, making it unsafe for them to return home. To learn more or how you can offer support, visit yesomaha.org.