Letters from YouthAbility trainees

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Jane

YouthAbility is a nonprofit organization that PROVIDES job learning opportunities for at-risk youth.

I have been with Angels of Hope since it opened. I started as a volunteer when I was 11 years old. I have learned a variety of things since then. I was trained by many Angels of Hope employees. One of the things I learned was that in the future I am going to have many different bosses with different personalities and different ways of getting things done, but in the end it just needs to get done, even if it’s not your favorite thing to do. It is also nice to get things accomplished.

I was hired as a YouthAbility employee when I was 14. I had to mature, work hard, and improve my attitude in order to get the job. I have been an employee for about a year. I work one day a week and am also a fill in person. While working toward a future I also have time for a social life. I think that many other teenagers should go through a program like this one. It helps you grow, learn and be prepared for the future.

written by Angie

My name is Jane. I got placed at the Angels of Hope Thrift store as part of my Welfare To Work program. I was unsure of what I was going to learn at a thrift store that would prepare me for life as a working person. However, I’ve learned a ton about the importance of being on time, having a positive attitude at work and respecting myself and coworkers.

Angels of Hope is a fast paced fun environment to work in. Working with all kinds of individuals of all backgrounds, they’ve shown that Angels come in all colors shapes and sizes. I believe that I’ve learned patience and respect for my elders.

As part of my training I’ve learned Customer Service, cash handling, shelf stocking, coworker relations and how to smile even when home life is distracting me from being 100% at work - I realized I have to leave work at work and home at home. Overall the Angels of Hope is a wonderful place to learn skills you will need at any work place.

So thank you YouthAbility for my Angel -

Jane

Hello,

My name is Kimberly and I first learned of the Angels of Hope Thrift Store through the I.L.S. program. This program is for past foster kids to get job experience. I was given 120 hours of job training. During those hours I was told by the trainer that I was a hard worker and that she’d like to hire me after the hours were done. I was hired full time and since then I have received valuable work experience with pricing, sorting, opening/closing the store, cash register, and more. I’ve never had a job so all this is very important. I’ve met so many nice people that work here and I am very grateful for this job and I’m learning skills I will use for the rest of my life.

Sincerely,

Kimberly S.

YouthAbility has plans for our community! Please help us.

Angie

Kim