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College Bound 6/22/2024
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Did You Know?
Youth exiting the foster care system experience a higher risk of homelessness, among other physiological and emotional challenges. Thanks to Urban West, who recently contributed $25,000 to Just in Time for Foster Youth, those funds will help fill critical gaps in resources and relationships for our participants.
March 11, 2022
Upcoming
events
events
March 10: Coach Approach to Mentoring: Training Session
March 15: Pathways to Financial Power: Resume Building Part 1
March 17: Career Horizons: Identity Workshop
March 17: Bridges to Success
March 19: Rise to Resilience Retreat
Coach Approach to Mentoring
Communicate Better Together
We view you as creative, resourceful and whole. While seeming overly simple, this principle grounds our philosophy behind Coach Approach to Mentoring and all that we do at JIT. Our Coach Approach stems from a clear need for our participants to be seen as equal partners in their challenges. We work with a community that has a history of being underestimated and it’s incredibly important that we avoid seeing each other as deficient or in need of saving.
To help accomplish this, we created a framework of how we empower others. We value understanding over judgement, asking over telling and empowering over fixing; most of all, we actively choose to remain curious. These ideas are all part of a steady process that includes truly practicing active listening, asking curious and powerful questions, and helping each other come to a solution on our own, simply by being present.
These practices don’t come naturally to all, and we don’t expect it to either. To support our community’s journey towards stronger relationships, we host multiple Coach Approach to Mentoring Sessions each month that we hope you’ll attend! It’s a great way to connect with our community, meet the youth we serve, and communicate better, together.
Bridges to Success for Young Men
Mixer Kickoff
This past Saturday, Bridges to Success for Young Men (B2S) also kicked off their workshop series with a mixer hosted at our My First Home Distribution Center. Bridges to Success Coordinator, Bryan Mancera, led an activity called “Step in the Circle”. It was during the activity debrief where the magic happened. Participants learned that it’s ok for leaders to be vulnerable and reveal the challenges that they face. “This was refreshing compared to the traditional way we interact with men. No more small talk. This is how we create a strong social circle, shared Yohan, Bridges to Success coach.
It was great to see our male participants come out of their shells and make connections during last week’s mixer. During the kick-off networking event, our My First Home Warehouse was filled with inspirational energy. Participants and volunteers shared communication tips among other things. Volunteers also had the opportunity to learn more about themselves that day. Jason, JIT participant shared, “I didn’t really have a dad or any strong male role models growing up, so, I came to today because it sounded like this was the place to finally get that.” This first Bridges to Success event set the tone for the workshops to come where we will dive into deep and thoughtful conversations.
“I didn’t really have a dad or any strong male role models growing up, so, I came to today because it sounded like this was the place to finally get that.”
Coaches and youth participants get a chance to network during the B2S Mixer.
Youth and volunteers connect during the B2S Mixer.
Bridges to Success Coordinator, Bryan, leads the “Step in the circle” activity.
Career Horizons for Young Women
Empowered Women Empowering Women
Youth Services Managing Coordinator Esmeralda Muñoz led the Career Horizons mixer last week that launched the start of a 9-month self-exploration and growth journey. Participants and volunteer coaches joined the icebreaker Esmeralda calls the “Author of Your Story”. The activity involves blowing air into a balloon each time a phrase resonates with the individual. One volunteer shared, “During the icebreaker activity, we were asked to blow air into a balloon if a phrase resonated with us. I felt connected when I looked around the room and we all had similar-sized balloons.” The key takeaway for the workshop was that although our goal is for youth participants to gain skills and confidence, volunteers can also grow and explore more about themselves.
During the icebreaker activity, we were asked to blow air into a balloon if a phrase resonated with us. I felt connected when I looked around the room and we all had similar-sized balloons.”
Esmeralda Muñoz will continue to deliver high quality workshops that aim to strengthen the cohort in areas of finance, emotions, and relationships. Her main goal is to create gatherings that provide a space for support, learning, and sharing..
Coaches and participants had a great time during the Career Horizons mixer
Participants had the opportunity to connect and network with coaches during the mixer.
Career Horizons holds a space for everyone to learn and be empowered.
