Over the past year, the futures of 113 youth facing challenges in Lake County are brighter because they received education, workforce readiness, and life skills training from Youth Conservation Corps (YCC). Through their own hard work and support from our staff, these young adults are now working or are in college.
Our goal is to provide opportunities for 115 more young adults next year by raising $30,000 by December 31.
Please consider making a contribution!
Meet James Taylor. James graduated from Antioch High School in 2020 at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. After graduating, he found himself in a rut working at a local restaurant. His uncle told him about YCC’s program and suggested he check it out.
Mr. Taylor enrolled at YCC in 2021 and hit the ground running instantly! He obtained his CompTIA Fundamentals (ITF+) and A+ certifications by December of the same year. Jennifer Cooper, YCC’s Placement and Alumni Manager, helped James secure a paid internship at ARCOA Group in Waukegan, IL. While at ARCOA, he worked with computer hardware, taking apart and testing old computers to identify working and faulty parts.
After the completion of YCC’s CompTIA program and ARCOA internship, James found employment with Barcodes Inc. in Chicago, IL, where he is currently employed.
When thinking about a YCC staff member that had an impact on him. Fred M. Williams (Mr. Fred), YCC’s Member Services Manager, stood out. James said, “Mr. Fred inspired me to grow as a person and work to develop my skills to be successful.”
Having alumni like James come back to speak with YCC members is invaluable. It’s one thing for staff or guest speakers to give members advice, but when one of their peers speaks with them, the message has a different impact.
When asked why he wanted to come back to volunteer at YCC, James said, “To show people that if you work hard in this program, you can etch out a successful life for yourself.”
Will you give today to help us continue to empower a young person like James Taylor? Donate today to double your impact and help us reach our $30,000 goal.
If you make a donation to YCC before December 20th, the Healthcare Foundation of Northern Lake County will match all new and increased gifts!
