winter 2015-16
Chamber Foundation awarded Youth One Stop program When Courtney Mitchell came to the Youth One Stop in April 2014, she was unsure about her career path and direction in life. After working with her case manager and attending a few workshops, Mitchell decided to enroll in a Certified Nursing Assistant Program. During her studies, she stayed focused by attending tutoring sessions for her CNA training, but also worked on improving her math skills. In March this year, Mitchell attained her CNA certificate and raised her math scores an entire grade level. By working with the Workforce Development Center’s Director of Employment Services, Mitchell applied for a position as a CNA with the Pines at Poughkeepsie, where she was hired and has been demonstrating her leadership skills since June.
Trivia Night at the Town of Poughkeepsie Senior Center
Students tour the Frances Lehman Loeb Art Center at Vassar College
T
he good work of this program will continue as Youth One Stop seamlessly moves under the umbrella of The Chamber Foundation. The Dutchess County Workforce Investment Board awarded the program to the Foundation in November. “The Chamber Foundation, was selected because of the impressive program the team [at the Dutchess County Regional Chamber of Commerce] has created,” said Laraine Kautz, Executive Director of the Dutchess County Workforce Investment Board. “They meet the young adults where they are in life and elevate them to where they can succeed in the workforce. They did a remarkable job in the first two years, learning curve and all. It will be exciting to see how their experience and very ambitious vision grows Youth One Stop over the next two years.” Youth One Stop is a comprehensive education and job-training program utilizing local re-
Students spend the day at Lake Taghkanic State Park
Pumpkin picking at Barton Orchards sources to benefit at-risk youth in Dutchess County. “The Youth One Stop is a great program that motivates and pushes us to work towards the goals we want for ourselves. It helps us when we feel we are not where we want to be in life and are not sure how to get there,” said Tatiana Cintron, a Youth One Stop participant.
The program is open to income-eligible Dutchess County youth—including youth with disabilities and veterans—ages 14-24 who are facing obstacles inhibiting them from completing school, finishing their High School Equivalency or gaining employment. Participants explore career options in the community and gain practical experience through
jobs and internships, as well as gaining access to tutoring, mentorship and degree/certification programs. “The Youth One Stop program has made a name for itself as a valuable asset to the community and of the Dutchess County Regional Chamber of Commerce for two years. Now, under the Foundation, it can only grow and continue to contribute to the county’s economic growth by supporting employers and job seekers through its resources and services,” said Frank Castella, Jr., President and CEO of the Dutchess County Regional Chamber of Commerce and President of The Chamber Foundation, Inc. “We are proud to work cooperatively with the DC WIB and the more than 30 community agencies we partner with on a regular basis to deliver exceptional mentoring to our participants.” The Dutchess County Youth One Stop provides access to skilled, pre-screened workers for employers as well as on-the-job and customized training opportunities. For the job seeker, career preparation and counseling, training or employment advancement opportunities and a full service resource room are also available. “The Youth One Stop is amazing; through all my ups and downs they [are] right there by my side. My case manager does everything in her power to find a solution to any problem I have. They’re truly a blessing and wonderful people to have during the good and bad times of my life,” said Takeisha Smith, a Youth One Stop participant. For a full list of services and more information, visit the Dutchess County Youth One Stop website at www.myyos.org or call (845) 454-7629.