Youth Employment Service (YES)

I have had the pleasure of working with this organization for over a year and I feel this is one of the best program for youth.

Working with YES is always a delight. Michelle and Giselle have a structured program that allows me to mentor and give back in more fulfilling ways that I have never thought possible. I'm proud to be involved and participate in our mock interview sessions and look forward to them!

YES is a wonderful agency that assists teens to not only get jobs but teach them the interviewing skills, application process, to how to dress for success. Michelle came to my class and did presentations and when Covid hit, attended on Zoom. She was able to get volunteers within he community to participate in mock interviews both in person and on Zoom. These experiences have proven to be so valuable for my students. I am so grateful to Michelle, Rebecca, the YES team as well as all the interviewing volunteers to make this such a successful program. An extra shout out to Michelle for connecting with my students. You're a joy to work with and always make me smile.

As one of the original YES mock interviewers, I am often reminded that young people still have the same fears and uncertainty I felt as a teenager decades ago. Helping youth transition from school to work is always a great feeling, but sometimes something special happens.

Years ago, a client came close to breaking down during an interview. Through tears she explained her family was going through a difficult time and she desperately needed to find a job. I asked the staff to work with her to see if YES and other support agencies could help. Weeks later I learned she not only got the first job she applied for but was feeling much better about her home situation. Then I saw her working as a server at the annual YES dinner. During the program she came to the microphone to describe how important YES and I had been at a critical time in her life. That night I teared up. It’s an experience I will never forget. I have learned she has since gone on to a successful career.

Started volunteering with YES August of this year (2021), did a little bit of both mock interviews and resume consultations. I enjoy helping the clients work through their resumes and building up their confidence for interviews. All the clients that I worked with are brilliant and I have no doubt they've already went on to do great things. I like the mission and vision that YES has, definitely made me wish I had help like this during high school when I was l looking for jobs. Would recommend volunteering with this great organization, you will not only make an impact in the clients' lives, but you will learn valuable skills as well.

Providing mock interview support for young adults working to get their first job through Youth Employment Service, is ABSOLUTELY ONE OF THE MOST POSITIVE AND REWARDING ACTIVITIES THAT I DO. When I first reached out to YES to offer my time and support, the staff was incredibly knowledgeable, positive and supportive. They met with me, provided very supportive and professional documents to use for interviews and were simply - incredible. The staff is very proactive keeping volunteers in the loop about upcoming activities, so it is very easy for me to plan my calendar. I learn something new with each young adult engagement and know that both the young adults and their teachers at school appreciate the time, knowledge and encouragement that we provide. The volunteers are great too! Some are providing give back through their companies. Others, work at home or are retired. Making new friends who are passionate about giving back keeps me positive. YES is an outstanding organization and really understands working with volunteers!

My absolute favorite non-profit organization is Youth Employment Service (Y.E.S.). At Y.E.S. I volunteer in many ways. When it was safe to do so, Y.E.S. had its last in-person fundraiser where I was in charge of checking in attendees, setting up the event center, checking attendees out and obtaining the gifts they had won. I had so much fun bringing energy to the event, encouraging guests to buy raffle tickets for our wine vault, and helping make them feel taken care of and appreciated for their support. Y.E.S. aims to enrich youth by offering workshops for resume building, interview skills and community partnerships. This is a NPO I care so much about because they truly take their clients needs seriously. I have had the luxury of working with the women of Y.E.S. and seeing how much they care for their clients well being, often checking on clients who struggle with depression or come from broken homes. I have personally formed relationships with clients who need extra help outside of the program, signing up for classes at community colleges, acquiring materials to complete online schooling when the pandemic hit, and being emotional support through trying times. This non-profit fosters a safe, collaborative space where clients and volunteers feel like family. In addition to event planning and operating, I have assisted with mock-interviews for high-school students who’s teachers have incorporated the Y.E.S. programs into their curriculum. When conducting interviews, I enjoy guiding students to highlight their attributes and to stay away from belittling themselves when asked questions like “what are your weaknesses?”. It’s important to instill confidence in the clients we serve, to make them aware that they are assets, even at an entry level position. Y.E.S. works with tremendous skill and efficiency in maintaining relationships with donors, often giving thanks with homemade baked goods that are dropped to the donors door. Every corner of this non-profit is well thought out and every act is done with attention to detail. Not only do they care deeply for the students and young adults they serve, they care for their donors, volunteers, and employees tremendously. In trying times they have made an extra effort to adapt to an online format, to not let obstacles get in the way of serving their community, and have worked overtime to ensure that their clients and employer partnerships are having their needs met. When they do not have the resources to help someone in dire need, they take it on themselves to seek that help, no one is turned away. I happily stand with Y.E.S. as a volunteer and advocate for all youth that walk through our doors.

I linked up with YES in January 2021 in response to a Volunteer Match virtual mock interviewing opportunity. I was looking for a way to share my 40+ years of interview and recruiting experience as a retiree. YES exceeds my volunteer needs: I joined a well designed and smartly executed youth employment services program. More importantly, the YES staff takes care of the volunteers and has created a welcoming virtual world in which to conduct mock interviews. It is a pleasure to share my skills and experience in this setting and look forward to a long partnership with them.

In the summer of 2020, I began volunteering with YES to help with mock interviews and career coaching. For the past 16 years, I founded and managed a tech sales recruiting agency so this was a natural fit and I am so happy to be a part of the team. I was immediately impressed with the entire program offered and how well organized it is. I became very enamored with leadership's caring attitude towards its clients and volunteers. YES is lucky to have Michelle & Rebecca to manage this process, they are wonderful people and fantastic ambassadors!

When you step back and think about it, there's not many priorities in life that top earning a living. It's even more crucial when you are an underprivileged teen or young adult needing an income. Getting your first job is the precursor to finding true purpose and meaning in life, as well as finding your passion as it relates to a profession. The students gain so much self confidence and are guided through a well thought out curriculum at YES. The mock interviews prepare candidates for a successful interaction with hiring managers and teach them how to present themselves appropriately and ask the right questions. This is a great way to gain experience without judgement and intimidation. Practice is the key to any success and the trust and confidence built is so helpful.

I have found my volunteer experience very rewarding and can't say enough positive things about YES and all those involved. I highly recommend this non profit, five stars!!

I joined this organization as a volunteer in September 2020. I conduct mock interview with the students, primarily via Zoom. I find that the students are prepared for the interview although somewhat nervous since this may be the first time that they are sitting in an interview. The interview usually lasts around 20 minutes and then I have the opportunity to review our meeting. I then send my report to the teacher.
I am so grateful to know that such an organization exists in order to prepare our young people for the job world. I am glad I was introduced to YES!

When I first began volunteering for Youth Employment Service, I knew that I was signing up for an organization that was customer centered. YES is one of those organizations that is filled with passion, energy, and a lively spirit. Their undying commitment to helping the future leaders of tomorrow is stellar.

The main thing that I love about YES is the way they take care of their volunteers and make them feel special. Michelle rolls out the welcome mat each and every time her and I co-facilitate.

YES sets the bar on communicating with everyone and leaves no stone unturned.

I look forward to participating in more in-person events.

YES is a great organization and one I am honored and proud to be a part of.

I personally volunteer with this organization and they are wonderful in their mission. They are dedicated to helping young adults gain confidence and I can see how valuable it is to them on their journey. I wish I had this organization in addition to my education! I am glad and proud to be a part of this organization!

I started doing mock interviews with YES virtually in 2020 to help those looking for jobs. The service YES provides to those seeking employment is so needed and something many students never get, only through trial and error. I enjoy imparting the lessons I’ve learned during my career and helping others to shine and earn the employment they want.
YES also makes it very convenient for clients and their volunteers, so you want to come back and help.