Contact:
Kristin Gudenrath, Public Affairs Director, (312) 499-4778 Ext 136,
cell: (773) 895-1247
kristin@jfychicago.org
For Immediate Release
Jobs for Youth Hits 1,000!
Non-profit organization gives renewed
hope to young people in Chicago
(July 1, 2004-- Chicago, IL) For the
first time since the economic decline of 2002, Jobs
for Youth (JFY) has surpassed their goal of 1,000 job
placements. While headlines continue to report thousands
of youth in Chicago are jobless, JFY marked the end
of their fiscal year on June 30th and celebrated "bucking
the trends." "We were able to accomplish this
through the efforts of the entire staff. Hard work,
outreach and teamwork were paramount," says JFY
Job Developer, Natalie Daniels. "We’re proud
to have placed clients into jobs at rates in sharp contrast
to the uncertain employment situation affecting the
city."
How do they do it? According to JFY
Executive Director, Robert Barnett, "We know where
the jobs are. Through companies with whom we have established
relationships over the years, we are able to recognize
and predict industry demands and prepare our clients
to meet industry expectations." Bill Sloyan, of
Ocè Business Services, a JFY Board member and
top employer offers, "The job market isn’t
as bad as it was 2 years ago. There is definitely hope
for people who are legitimately prepared to enter the
workforce, as JFY clients tend to be."
According to the Center for Labor &
Community Research, an incredible economic turnaround
is approaching. Statistics show the business services
industry as being number one, with the highest estimated
growth through 2010 and there will be a strong need
for motivated, qualified, entry-level workers.
This year, JFY has provided services
to more than 2,200 youth and has made 1,011 placements
working with over 400 employers across Chicagoland.
38% of all positions were placements in offices and
the business services industry.
Jobs For Youth/ Chicago, Inc. (JFY)
helps young men and women from low-income families become
a part of the economic mainstream; and, in the process,
provides the business community with motivated job-ready
workers. JFY offers pre-employment training, GED preparation
and job placement services to youth that are between
the ages of 17 and 24. Ninety-six percent of their clients
are African American and Latino.
Established in 1979, JFY has helped
over 23,000 deserving youth enter the workforce. For
more information call (312) 499-4778 or visit www.jfychicago.org
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