Y.O.U. employs many diverse, talented people who bring varied skills to our organization.

Our case managers play a very important role in our work: They are among the first people a young adult meets when he or she engages with our organization. Their empathy and knowledge of our programs, young adults’ lives, and the opportunities we can make available, play a critical role in their success.

“Case managers change lives and advocate for individuals still learning who they are,” says Case Manager Tyrinda Turner. “When participants make the choice to enter into our Y.O.U programs, no one knows what hurdles they had to get over just to walk into the doors.”

Case managers listen and offer a safe space for young adults to feel comfortable discussing their lives. They provide positivity, encouragement and mentoring while young adults attempt to obtain job skills, credentialed-pathway training and employment. They help them overcome barriers, like financial hardships, family adversity, lack of education, domestic violence, mental-health challenges and substance abuse -- any challenge that could keep young adults from success.

“Our phones are not cut off at 4:30 P.M.,” Turner says. “We often see [young adults] on weekends. Life doesn’t only happen between 8 A.M. and 4:30 P.M., and a dedicated case manager knows that. For that reason, we make ourselves available around the clock. For many, the struggles are real — from homelessness to living below poverty level. Some [Y.O.U. youth] have children they are trying to manage without support from the other parent, let alone their own parents. Case managers guide them through it all. We answer our phones long after the work day has ended, whether we’re exhausted or not, and we strategize lives that are not our own. We hold hands, wipe tears, scold, and mold on a daily basis.”

“I take the time to help young adults with saving money, using coupons, starting a checking/saving account, sending text messages concerning hot items that may be on sale,” says Case Manager Sherena Frazier-Miller. “I make sure they have an overall understanding of basic life skills and help them live day to day.”

“Earlier this month, I accompanied a young adult to the OhioMeansJobs building for Aspire’s GED orientation,” says Case Manager Alexandra Ritt. “This young lady is struggling and facing multiple barriers, but she is smart and capable. I wished her luck. As I went to leave, she said, ‘I’m still so shocked I actually showed up.’ I told her, ‘I’m not [shocked].’”

Every young adult who comes through Y.O.U.’s doors desires to improve his or her life. Case managers help them on their road to get there.

“The happy moment for me is seeing the success once they complete the program and work the new job they attended training for,” Frazier-Miller says. “Once I see the smiling faces at the graduation, I feel good knowing I helped make a difference in someone's life.”