Work experience opens up new opportunities for Joshua
Dominican Republic transplants Joshua and his brother, Youses, completed high school and were left with the question, “What now?” School brought struggles so each turned to work. Joshua applied tirelessly for job after job—getting no response. It was then that he remembered Youth Opportunities Unlimited. During his senior year at Cleveland’s James Ford Rhodes High School, Joshua learned about Y.O.U. from a flyer and spoke with a staff member about the program.
Fast forward a year. Joshua was having no luck finding employment due to minimal work experience. He would complete application after application to no avail. He decided to register online for Y.O.U.’s Young Adult Opportunities Program (YAOP). He finally got the chance to obtain a four-week work experience through Y.O.U.’s partnership with Walgreens. “Entering day one of our training program, Joshua had a huge smile on his face. That smile grew wider when he found out his worksite. There were tears of excitement and thanks for the break to get a chance to work,” explained Job Coach Maria Lee.
Joshua had much to learn about the retail world. He received training on everything imaginable: truck inventory, backroom stock, sales floor stock, proper disposal of product items and boxes, how to communicate with store customers and managers, working as a team. What helped Joshua feel “a part of the family” was a staff willing to stick by his side and guide him. He knew he could rely on them when he had questions or needed something re-explained or demonstrated.
“Joshua has been the best youth worker we have had in quite some time. This comes at a time where COVID-19 has made its way into our lives. He’s always willing to take on new tasks. Our store sees Joshua as a hero.”
Aside from being a superhero at Walgreens, Joshua helps his family. He knows this opportunity could open the door for continued work success, and he wants Youses experience it too. His brother, like himself, has some life barriers, and it was going to take a team of Y.O.U. staff to get him on a new path.
Youses’s major barrier is language. With the help of Y.O.U. directors, the validation team, and Spanish-speaking staff member, Linda, in the call center. Y.O.U. was able to direct him to Y.O.U.’s workforce collaboration partner, El Barrio, to provide him with further assistance. Although Y.O.U. wasn’t able to serve Youses directly, the family was deeply grateful for helping him find the best provider to serve his needs.
Y.O.U. is happy to report Joshua completed the four-week program with Y.O.U. and obtained a 30-day emergency hire on with Walgreens.
Do you know someone 18 to 24 living in Cuyahoga County and not working or in school? Y.O.U. is accepting applications foryoung adults to participate in the work experience and credential training program.