As we wrap up our second full year, TeenForce is launching its most significant program yet: We just announced a joint project with the San Jose Silicon Valley Chamber of Commerce to generate 100 new jobs for foster youth. When implemented, our County will have one of the most robust foster youth employment programs in the nation.
Over 30 guests attended the Hiring Fair kick-off event at the Chamber offices. We explained how businesses can join with TeenForce and the Foster Youth Employment Coalition to develop important work opportunities.
The event was covered by three radio programs and was then featured in this OpEd in the Mercury News.
You can review the details of the Hiring Fair program in this FAQ document. We will keep you posted on our progress and perhaps you can join us at the Hiring Fair Celebration next May.
Engineering Internship Video
Our client SYNNEX Corporation provided three great internships this summer that are featured in this CTE Video.
TeenForce featured on Comcast Newsmakers segment
Check out this interview with TeenForce CEO John Hogan.
We are very thankful for the relationship we have developed with Goodwill of Silicon Valley. Not only are they providing office space and related support, they have consistently employed 10 former foster youth in their warehouses, stores and headquarters during the last four months.
Later this month, we will launch the Goodwill High School program, which will focus on providing up to 15 jobs to foster youth still in High School. These 8-12 hour per week jobs will teach retail skills and will be first jobs for all of these youth. They fit perfectly with a school schedule, while allowing youth to build skills and experience.
We encourage you to learn more about Goodwill of Silicon Valley. Most people don't know that the mission is very focused on employment. This is the national mission statement: Goodwill works to enhance the dignity and quality of life of individuals and families by strengthening communities, eliminating barriers to opportunity, and helping people in need reach their full potential through learning and the power of work.
You can see why we are so pleased to be working closely with the Goodwill team.
The TeenForce Team is Growing!
We are pleased to welcome two full-time members to our team. Katee Peek is our Youth Development Coordinator and Office Manager. Katee is a Santa Clara grad and is currently working on her masters degree in the evening. Julie Berkovatz is a recent SJSU grad and is our Foster Youth Coordinator. Katee and Julie join with Shelby Rugg and Elana Hunter to provide great service to our youth and clients.
We are actively seeking to add two additional team members to support the 100 Jobs Hiring Fair project and our upcoming Summer Internships. Please send your referrals our way. Staffing industry and youth development experience a plus!
A Great Six Months
From June through November, we had 123 youth work 22,334 hours. 40% of these hours were worked by current and former foster youth. And, our staffing model generated revenue that covered 92% of our operating costs. It cost us just $5,080 to run the entire program during this period.
This is why we say we are developing a new and better youth jobs program. We are nearly self-sustaining and our youth are being paid to do important work.
Do you need a more convenient way to hire?
Let TeenForce find someone to help with office, retail, or restaurant assistance, odd jobs, tutoring, and more. Call us today!
408-827-3078
Around the Office: Our Stats Since Inception
TeenForce candidates:546
Teens employed/placed: 207
TeenForce clients:73
Teen hours worked:52,661(over $499,984 in wages paid to teens)
About Us
TeenForce is a self-sustaining non-profit organization that helps teens (ages 14 - 20) gain work experience. We provide work readiness training, skills development and job placement services. Our staffing agency model makes it convenient and cost-effective for employers to hire teens and generates revenue to support our activities.
Teens in our program gain confidence and skills, while improving adult/teen relationships. Teens become healthy, caring and responsible young adults who have important roles in the community.
We are located at 1080 N. 7th Street in San Jose. We are open Monday through Friday 8 AM to 5 PM.
