For over 40 years, YES has provided over 40,000 kids the job and life skills they’ll need for a lifetime
Do you remember the first job you had? Almost everyone does. And that memory usually casts a smile–a memory of a new skill, interaction with a customer or that first paycheck.
Whether you knew it or not, that first job set the foundation for your career, your ability to provide for your family and your life. But not all kids have the same opportunities we did. YES was created to solve this problem for kids in the Harbor Area of Orange County, California.
YES is dedicated to helping youth in need begin their path toward economic independence and personal self-sufficiency. Our mission is to teach youth ages 14-22 the skills they need to secure and maintain meaningful employment. We develop programs that increase their employability, career choices and quality of life. YES serves a diverse population of young people from a variety of ethnic and financial backgrounds. Some live in two-parent households, some in one parent households, some are living on their own, some are in foster care and some are homeless. Many face additional challenges including learning disabilities, teen parenthood, previous delinquency issues, and being in recovery. In spite of the relative affluence of the area, as many as 70 percent are economically disadvantaged based on federal standards and 35 percent live in single parent, female head of household families.
Why YES? Because people rise to the challenge. You just have to give them the chance.
Sponsor a YES Youth
Create an entire lifetime of opportunity for just $19 a month.
Application and Resume Assistance
YES youth learn the importance of a well-written resume—a skill required for a lifetime.
Daily access to professional job counselors
YES youth enjoy open-door access to job counselors with deep knowledge of the community and a variety of careers.
Financial Literacy Training
YES youth learn banking and budgeting skills to ensure their earnings go toward their future.
Skills Assessment and Career Exploration
YES youth gain from skills assessments and career guidance that set the stage for the future.
Job Fairs & Referrals to Local Employers
YES youth benefit from the 40-year history of YES in the Orange County community. YES youth meet and interview with employers who have job openings—in the comfortable surrounding of a job fair.
Mock Interview Program
YES kids participate in practice job interviews with adult volunteers from the business world where they get productive feedback and great insights into how to interview successfully.
ANTJE
After her family life deteriorated at the tender age of 13, Antje was on her own taking care of her mother and sister. From her first day at YES—to her first job at the Orange County fair—YES was by her side. Finding many jobs through YES, Antje is in her last semester at Orange Coast College and proudly in control of her life.
ELIZABETH
Elizabeth first arrived at YES at the age of 14. Determined to build the job skills she needed, Elizabeth carried herself with the confidence and professionalism of someone older. YES helped her not just find a job, but taught her to be comfortable with herself–something that always leads to success.
JOHN
Like most teenagers trying to get their first job, John was nervous about the whole process. Unlike most teens, John had the added pressure of being the primary caretaker for his dad who is disabled and unable to work. YES helped John find a job where he gained self confidence and the ability to financially care for himself and his father.
SASHA
Sasha arrived from Jamaica when her grandmother died. She was 14. YES helped Sasha transform herself from a young girl with few job skills and a shy demeanor, into a confident young woman. With help from YES, Sasha is well-positioned for college and the next chapter of her life.
