Success Stories

Making an impact for youth.

Danielle Blackwell, YJC Client

My name is Danielle Blackwell. I’m a 23-year-old single mother of two children. At age 19, I was looking for a job, but when I walked in the door at the Youth Job Center, I found so much more! The program not only helped prepare me for a job, but opened my eyes to a variety of careers, stressing the importance and value of continuing my education. I had mock interviews with real employers and they even showed me how to budget my money once I got a job.

About a month later, the Youth Job Center found me a temporary position at Northwestern University as a clerical assistant in the graduate school of business. I worked there almost a year and then was notified my temporary position would end. I contacted the Youth Job Center and the staff helped me update my resume and begin the job search process again. I was hired at DePaul University’s Graduate School of Business as a receptionist. I have been at DePaul for three years and recently received a promotion to office assistant. The most exciting thing is that I’m now taking classes in hopes of completing my bachelor’s degree!

The Youth Job Center REALLY does help young people become independent and productive individuals. The center doesn’t allow you to fail; the staff invests in you and all they ask in return is that you work hard to succeed.

Everyone always tells young people “Get a job,” but the Job Center teaches you how to get a job, keep it and strive for much more.

Diana Howard

THANK YOU!

I first came to the Youth Job Center about three years ago. I heard about it from a family friend, but I was a skeptic and thought that I could find a good job on my own. Well, one dead-end job after another, I decided to give the Youth Job Center a try. At the time I was in school and working, so I was not able to attend any of the orientation sessions held at the Center. Instead, I had the pleasure of meeting Sarah Griffiths, YJC Core Program Counselor. She has been instrumental in helping me present myself well on paper, and in interviews. Sarah would send me weekly job listings, and would also send me common interview questions so I would be prepared.

I am currently a full-time student at Oakton Community College, and a full-time employee at Thomson Healthcare. I was hired at Thomson in august 2007 as an office assistant; I recently received a promotion and now work in the product support department.

I am truly thankful to the Youth Job Center, and specifically, Sarah. She has been there for me numerous times; helping me out at the last moment. She continues to be an influential pillar in the community of Evanston and in my life as a friend. Thanks!

Shardae Jefferson, 21

The Youth Job Center Put Me On The Path to Success!!

I first started coming to the Youth Job Center when I was a senior in high school in 2005. I had never had a job before and with my Job Counselor’s help, I got my first job at Ben and Jerry’s Ice Cream Shop. While there, I learned how to use a cash register and provide great customer service. After Ben and Jerry’s, YJC’s OOSY (Out-of-School Youth) program assisted me with getting enrolled in school for the field of medical assisting. OOSY and my career counselor, Molly Mullin, assisted me with my career plans and transportation helping me to succeed in my internship and finish school.

I also completed the Job Center’s SCA program, which increased my job-readiness skills. SCA taught me skills related to interviewing, writing a cover letter, and typing. I have now been employed with Evanston Hospital as a Porter for 6 months, and just received the “Employee of the Month” award. I am also very confident that I will soon begin working as a Medical Assistant at ENH. Without YJC’s help, I know I would not have a job and be on the path to success.

Thanks to Molly and everyone who helped me at the YJC!

Help us write more success stories. Donate to YJC today!