Ozone House's youth job skills program fully funded for first time

Teens who participated in the Ozone House's WorkZone program hold up certificates. The program is fully funded for the first time this year after receiving $75,000 in grants from area businesses and foundations. (Provided photo | Ozone House)

YPSILANTI, MI - For the first time since its inception seven years ago, the Ozone House's WorkZone Program is fully funded for the year.

Ozone House, a nonprofit that provides support and shelter for at-risk youth, received a total of $75,000 from the Walmart Foundation, United Way's Financial Stability Fund, DTE Energy Foundation through Grow Detroit's Young Talent, GM Foundation and staff as well as the Ypsilanti Area Community Fund.

WorkZone helps homeless and at-risk youth in Washtenaw County develop skills and gain experience in a professional work environment in order to be more competitive for the job market. The program combines job skills training, job coaching, work experience through a 100-hour internship and intensive one-on-one homeless case management to ensure youth are on a path to achieving their career goals.

"At the Walmart Foundation, we understand that organizations such as Ozone House are essential to building stronger communities. They share our values and are committed to helping homeless youth live better lives. The Walmart Foundation is honored to assist this organization helping so many in need in Washtenaw County," said Anne Hatfield, Walmart spokesperson, in a press release.

In 2016, 50 youth participated in the program, which includes training on resume writing, interviewing and professional workplace behavior. Youth are evaluated each day across multiple domains including timeliness, dress, participation and attitude. The teens then can complete an internship with community partners - paid for by WorkZone - which allows participants to explore a career interest area and develop a related set of skills.

As a part of the WorkZone program, youth also participate in weekly life skills groups, which include career planning activities as well as a monthly career panel where members of the community come talk about their career journeys and offer insight and advice.

The top two needs of homeless youth, who seek support from Ozone House, are housing and employment. Young people who come to Ozone House lack employment experience or have a demonstrated barrier to employment, including homelessness, disability, poverty and/or limited education.

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