In
1986, INTERACT won a first place governor's Hometown
Award. That summer, volunteers developed and led the after
hours clerical skills class for pursuing secretarial jobs.
In 1987, more than 150 volunteers taught 80% of the Pre-Employment
Workshop, helped dozens of youth prepare for the GED exam,
provided legal advice and made follow-up calls to employed
youth.
In
1987, INTERACT won three first place awards from United
Way, the Governor's Office, and the Hometown Awards program.
In
1988, The Volunteer Fundraiseing Committee sponsored
its first benefit. To date, they have rased more than 250,000
for the organization. A volunteer mentoring program was
initiated and INTERACT received a Citation for Excellence
from President Ronald Reagan.
In
1989, Workshop leaders participated in revising the
content and structure of the Workshop. First National Bank
of Chicago hosted the first annual Volunteer Recognition
Breakfast for Jobs For Youth's 190-member team, and INTERACT
became the only organization ever to win a first place Hometown
Award four years in a row. The Educational Options program
was established by volunteer tutor.
In
1990, INTERACT received national recognition when workshop
leader and board member Kurt Cherry accepted President George
Bush's Volunteer Action Award in a special White House ceremony.
The Presidents Volunteer Action Award is the nations highest
award for civilian volunteer effort.
In
1991, nearly every Jobs For Youth volunteer participated
in a "welfare simulation", a tool used to familiarize
them with the struggles of life on public assistance. The
program committee, a joint project of staff and volunteers,
was formed to examine program challenges such as expanded
youth recruitment and the mentoring program for GED students.
In
1992, Sara Lee Corporation sponsored the third annual
auction, helping volunteers raise a record $85,000. The
first annual Holiday Clothing Drive resulted in more than
150 items donated by volunteers to the client closet, which
supplies business attire to clients need.
In
1994, INTERACT won United Way's Heart of Gold Award
for the excellence in involving volunteers in meeting community
needs. Currently, volunteers are an active and intregal
part of Jobs For Youth's operations, serving as direct links
for our clients to the working world. They are role models,
teachers, tutors, board members, advisors, fund raisers,
clerical assistants and organizers. Volunteers are Jobs
for Youth's bridge to the wider Chicago community, and the
lifeblood of the organization.
