Empowering At-Risk Youth

Helping youth rise out of crisis and into self-sufficiency

Unleashing Potential

Our Youth Employment & Empowerment Services (YES) Team, in conjunction with our case managers, collaborate with at-risk youth to address the barriers to self-sufficiency and plan for independence. Through the power of trusting relationships, YES mentors help our youth create resumes, get jobs, GED testing, develop realistic career plans, study for tests such as ASVAB, obtain photo identification, take behind-the-wheel and earn driverโ€™s licenses. Services are tailored for the specific needs of each youth .

โ€œWe work with local high school students

to create post-high school plans, such as trade school, ASVAB preparation and apprenticeships

. Last year, 88% of YES program participants completed applications for employment, and 60% were successfully employed.โ€

โ€” Donna Fortier, Founder & CEO

YES Team Services

Mentorship

Through the power of caring relationships, our mentors work with the youth to develop realistic and actionable post high school and career plans.

 

Driving

Behind-the-wheel driver training and private tutoring is available through our YES program to assist our youth with this important step to independence and employment.

Finding & Keeping Jobs

Our YES team assists with job applications, resume writing, workplace problem solving, communication, and job placement.

 

Photo Identification

Mentors help navigate the multiple steps required to obtain a state-issued ID card, including help to obtain a copy of other vital documents. Mobile Hope issues verified photo identification for youth when this is an insurmountable barrier.

Careers

Mentors assist youth in researching potential career paths, assisting them in understanding requirements and barriers to success.

 

Addressing Barriers

Reasons behind individual circumstances vary. Our mentors customize the approach for each youth to ensure barriers to independence are addressed and overcome.

YES Team Members

Dave Herlihy: Retired Executive

Jack Robinson: Former Principal, Douglass Alternative HS

Wagner Grier: Former Principal, Monroe Technology Center

Jill Bidwell: School Counselor

Stacy Ashton: Social Worker

Matthew Abregu: Driving Instructor

Kaushik Venkatesh: College Student

Cynthia McNanley: Teacher

To Join Our YES Team or Inquire About Services, email: GetInvolved@mobilehopeloudoun.org

Matthew Abregu pictured with driving student Ramon Colon

Matthew Abregu pictured with driving student Ramon Colon

Follow our Journey.