“Cam” often came to the Second Story in the Community’s Teen Center for homework help and to hang out after school, so the program coordinator invited him to become a Youth Worker. Youth Workers at the Teen Center help the program coordinator at the center, organize donations, and sometimes support other areas of Second Story’s mission. It’s a good opportunity for them to have a first job and learn important career-building skills. Cam hoped to someday find a job that allowed him to work more hours and where he could make more money, but he was nervous about interviewing and wasn’t sure where to begin, so he was eager to try the Youth Worker program first.
Cam was quite shy and especially nervous about public speaking. He worked with staff for seven months, and by the end of his time in the program he was making presentations to the other teens to educate them on networking, team building, community engagement, mentorship, public speaking, leadership, and more. Teen Center staff were there to guide him and cheer him on, and often reminded him of how far he had come since he began the program!
After Cam’s time with the Youth Workers program came to a close, he continued to join Zoom sessions and other activities with the Teen Center. Meanwhile, the program coordinator helped Cam find jobs to apply for in his community, practice interview skills, and look for scholarships.
Before long, Cam called the program coordinator with exciting news: he had gotten a job at a local retail store! He thanked staff at the Teen Center for helping him feel comfortable applying and interviewing and teaching him valuable skills so he could thrive in his new role. Cam plans to save some of his money for college, use some of it to help his mom with expenses at home, and keep some as spending money. Staff has stayed in touch with Cam to continue helping him prepare for college and his other goals. We’re so proud of him!
