This summer, the lives of two dozen teenage refugees have quietly been changing.
Thanks to the refugee resettlement program at the
Jewish Family & Children's Service and their Career Development Center, these teens have completed a job-readiness program and have been spending the summer working at internship jobs to help them adjust to life here.
The 24 interns are paid for their work by a grant from the Allegheny County Dept. of Human Services' Office of Community Services, so the employers who participate are helping to train these young people while benefiting from their hard work at no financial cost. There are 12 internship sites, including a moving company, a high-end salon, recreational facilities, libraries and a video store.
Paul McComb, associate executive director of the PNC YMCA/YMCA of
Greater Pittsburgh, has been hosting three of the teen interns at his facility.
"I think for the refugees, the big benefit is real life experience," McComb says. They're learning basic skills such as "what it means to be accountable for showing up, coming to work everyday dressed appropriately and self-discipline."
Job-readiness training and solid work experience in places like this can
be a huge help for any teen, and especially for those who are new to American. Another benefit is socializing with new people and getting to know our culture. "They're right out on the floor with members and our staff," McComb says, which has helped the teens improve their English skills.
"And the best part for me," McComb says, "is that these kids are great." This is the first time refugee teens have interned at the facility, but McComb is enthusiastic about inviting interns from this program back again next year.
Writer: Melissa Rayworth
Source: Paul McComb/tk and Kelly O'Brien/JF&CS
Image courtesy of JF&CS