Say the word “work” and most young people will let out a collective groan. But not the students from The Guidance Center of Westchester summer youth employment program. This summer, agency’s Center for College & Careers found jobs for 31 New Rochelle young people, all with great results.
The students, their families and the employers were celebrated with a small recognition ceremony on Tuesday, August 26th. All of the students expressed gratitude for the opportunity to work and shared stories about how the jobs helped them grow. “It showed me how to be responsible and how to manage my money,” explains Sarah Hyde, a New Rochelle senior who wants to be a pediatrician. She spent her summer working with special needs preschool children.
Jake Rodriquez, also a NHRS senior, notes that among his top memories are receiving his first paycheck and working with the staff members. “I learned a lot more about responsibility and how to be more active with work.”
Staff from the Center for College & Careers actively coached the students throughout the summer. “Support from the business community helped make the program a wonderful success,” says job developer Maureen Higgins. “The employers provided great feedback and gave encouragement along the way.” For most of the students, these were their first job experiences and paychecks.
Marie Freeman owns Our Closet, a high-end consignment shop on North Avenue in downtown New Rochelle, and participated in the program as an employer. It turned out to be a perfect placement for Samantha Fragoso, a senior at New Rochelle High School, who aspires to work in fashion.
“I love Samantha. It could not have been a better match. She is enthusiastic, loves coming to work and is great with the customers,” says Ms. Freeman. In fact, Samantha will stay on as a part-time employee even after the grant ends. In addition to working with the clients and getting to know her work colleagues, Ms. Fragoso says that she most enjoyed “getting to look at the treasures in the store.” Five of the youth employees will stay on with their job after the official program ends.
Parents, too, noted a positive change in their children. Hope Terea, a parent, says, “I am incredibly grateful my son was chosen to participate in this summer jobs program. I saw him mature and take on new responsibility. He gained a new appreciation for the little things in life. I hope he will be welcome back next summer.” Her son is Moises Tera, a sophomore at New Rochelle High School, who worked with the buildings and maintenance crew at The Guidance Center of Westchester.
The Guidance Center of Westchester gratefully acknowledges the following businesses who participated in the program:
Allstate Juan Gonzales Agency
Boys & Girls Club of New Rochelle
The Guidance Center of Westchester
The Humane Society
The Humane Society Thrift Shop
The New Rochelle Municipal Housing Authority
NY Fitness Professionals
Our Closet
Patient Care Associates (of Mamaroneck)
Tom Freeman Construction
United Community Center of New Rochelle
The summer youth employment program is funded through a grant by the Westchester/Putnam Local Workforce Investment Board.