IMPACT! Rescuing a Teen’s Career Hopes

Nothing is more discouraging to a young person’s career dreams than to have that journey interrupted at a critical time. When COVID-19 put a career learning program in doubt, a local teen turned to the skills and resourcefulness she learned through the Do’Chas Teens In Action:

One of the young people in TIA was in a career learning program. The second year requires that you attend from 11:50 a.m. to 6 p.m. in order to complete the program and obtain the hours necessary for licensing. When the pandemic hit, the future of this particular career program and how students would complete their hours was up in the air. This young woman was planning to graduate from home school but didn’t have the required hours for licensing. Tapping the flexibility and resourceful thinking she learned from TIA, she worked online, studied and practiced on her family. The program’s classes eventually resumed, and she went all day every day in July. She is now preparing for her state boards. This career will provide a livable wage for her, and she can get started on her career quickly.

Creating a financially stable life means our community must provide the opportunities for people to learn, grow and take action. This is an example of how partnership can bring the chance for young people to learn the skills and strength to build a brighter future.

Giving Tuesday 2025: Where You Can Give

December 1, 2025

UWSCMI Invests in Small Business. Here’s Why You Should Too.

November 26, 2025

UWSCMI Celebrates ‘Notable Leader’ Stephanie Slingerland

November 4, 2025

Invitation Open for 2026-27 Community Impact Grants

October 27, 2025

Haircare Done Right: Samson’s Haircare

October 23, 2025

Launching Today: UWSCMI’s Community Connect

October 20, 2025

Tri-County Partners Launch Capital Cares Collaboration to Strengthen Access to Health and Human Services

October 17, 2025

State Budget Signed with Significant Investments for ALICE

October 10, 2025

Kalamazoo Continuum of Care Comprehensive Strategic Plan to End Homelessness in Kalamazoo County Sessions

September 26, 2025

MCSC Announces September and October Trainings

September 17, 2025