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"Apprentice” Bill Rancic Lends Hand to
Chicago Youth Seeking Jobs
“You’re Hired!” Star Donates $7,500 to
Nation’s Largest Youth Employment Non-Profit
CHICAGO, IL. (October 26, 2005) – In December 2004, Jobs For Youth/Chicago (JFY) celebrated its 25 th Anniversary Celebration, “Recognizing Tomorrow’s Leaders”, with Keynote Speaker “The Apprentice” winner Bill Rancic. Determined to do more, Rancic has recently announced a donation in the amount of $7,500 to Jobs For Youth to help Chicago’s low-income youth find employment.
“After learning more about JFY and hearing from the youth, I was even more impressed with their commitment to both their youth and the employers who hire them,” said Rancic. “I just hope more people become aware of the great things Jobs For Youth is doing for the City of Chicago, and the amazing stories of what can happen when people believe in themselves.”
Stories like 24-year-old Tom Wzorek who spoke at the Anniversary Celebration. When Tom approached Jobs For Youth; he had just been released from prison after three years, he was homeless, jobless, and had even fewer options to financially or emotionally support his now seven-year-old daughter, Kaylee.
“After finishing JFY’s program in April, they immediately helped me get a job at Cozzi Metal. Within six months, I was able to get a job, lease an apartment and buy a car and for the first time, take real steps toward taking care of my daughter,” said Wzorek, “JFY showed me not to give up trying no matter how hard it gets; it’ll only get better if what is in your heart is true; then it will happen.”
Jobs For Youth is a program that assists young men and women ages 17-24 from low-income families become a part of the economic mainstream; and, in the process, provide the business community with motivated, job-ready workers. The core program includes pre-employment training, career development, job placement, GED instruction and supportive services. In FY ’05, JFY made 1,065 job placements working with over 400 Chicago businesses.
“In 2002, more than five million youth nationwide, between the ages of 16-and-24 years old, were reportedly out-of-school and jobless – with more than 100,000 in Chicago alone,” said Robert Barnett, Jobs For Youth’s Executive Director. “As the job market rebounds it is important to continue to offer work readiness/life skills training, GED classes, career counseling and job placement services to help those that may not have access to these resources on their own.”
Rancic knows what it is like to have to work hard and prove yourself to your employer. “I just want to give these youth an opportunity. Everyone can relate to the challenges while on a job search. And with a program like Jobs For Youth it is not just helping the youth, but it truly helps the Chicago community.”
About Bill Rancic
William “Bill” Rancic founded the cigarsaroundtheworld website eight years ago in a 400 sq. ft. studio apartment. Today it is a thriving multi-million dollar national operation. The son of educators, he is a true entrepreneur, paying his way through college by starting a boat wash and wax business in the Chicago area. He is also an adventure junkie. When he is not making business deals he enjoys skydiving and scuba diving. In addition to his cigar company, Bill also develops real estate and speaks at universities and businesses around the country.
Bill Rancic has also been volunteering at Chicago’s Mercy Home For Boys & Girls for the past 4 years. He has seen first-hand how much a tutor and mentor can make a difference in the life of a child. Throughout his busy schedule, he continues to give an hour of his time weekly for the young boy he tutors.
An estimated 27.6 million viewers tuned in to watch Trump say, “You’re hired!” to Bill Rancic on NBC’s “The Apprentice.” In his new book and CD, “You’re Hired” How to succeed in life and business from the Winner of The Apprentice, Bill discusses the secret for success in his personal and professional life. Bill recently had a book published in September by Penguin Young Readers Group. It is called “Beyond the Lemonade Stand” and is geared toward young entrepreneurs ages 9-12. It is available at amazon.com and all major bookstores. All of Bill's proceeds from the book go to help organizations for underprivileged children like the Mercy Home for Boys in Chicago where Bill has tutored. More information is available at www.billrancic.com.
About Jobs For Youth/Chicago, Inc.
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. More information is available at www.jfychicago.org.
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