A Taste of Success

Program Description

In order for homeless or at-risk youth to become self-sufficient, it is necessary for them to obtain and maintain employment. Unfortunately, most of these youth face myriad challenges to employment, including:

• Incomplete education
• Lack of work experience and references
• Unclear career direction
• Criminal records
• Unstable housing

Research conducted by the Chicago Coalition for the Homeless indicated that 40% of homeless youth surveyed reported that they needed, but did not receive, help finding employment. Blue Sky Inn is prepared to fill this need by not only providing paid employment, but the supportive services necessary to ensure that youth can achieve their long-term employment goals.

A Taste of Success will hire six youth to work twenty hours per week for twelve weeks. Youth will learn to bake at Kitchen Chicago, a fully equipped, commercially licensed, shared-use kitchen. The pastries will be sold at Farmers Markets, street fairs/art fairs, and to businesses with which Blue Sky Inn has relationships.

In addition, youth will participate in a weekly Job Club. This will be a 60-minute paid session that addresses "soft skills" such as teamwork, conflict resolution, interpersonal communication, accountability, critical thinking and problem solving. Youth will also be provided with information related to checking and savings accounts, payroll taxes, resume writing, internships, and advanced culinary training.

In summary, "A Taste of Success" will provide youth with:

• A paid, part-time job in a supportive environment
• On-the-job training in foodservice, one of the fastest growing industries and the second largest employer in the country
• The opportunity to build a work history and references
• Exposure to a wide range of employment options
• "Soft skills" training
• Incentives to pursue their educational goals

A Blue Sky Inn youth works on a painting while attending an eXpressions secession.