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Name: Weston
Date: 06/26/2023
Career Pathway: Architecture and Construction
Program: Youth Career Pathways
Impacted Geographical Area: LWIA
Location of Service: 62522-1802

My experience with Homework Hangout Club's Youth Career Pathways program was very positive and essential to me being where I am today. I first entered the program when I had little to no motivation to progress through school, let alone attend school. Once I started focusing and trying hard, the paperwork and work the program offers became easier and easier. I learned many real-world skills during my time in the program, and in some cases, I still use the knowledge in my everyday life. Working with the other people at the Center improves your experience and helps with motivation. It feels like a big family at Homework Hangout Club (HHC)! I recommend this program to anyone seeking help, having issues with high school, or looking to build upon their work or life skills.

Loving Infants and Toddlers Story Image

Loving Infants and Toddlers

Clarissa Smith has always... +
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Name: Clarissa
Date: 06/20/2023
Career Pathway: Human Services
Program: Youth Career Pathways
Location of Service: 60643-1224

Clarissa Smith has always been passionate about caring for infants and toddlers. In April 2022, she came to Community Assistance Programs (CAPS) to express her desire to work with infants and toddlers.

Arelia, the Customized Training Coordinator (CTC) at CAPs, went over the Childcare Program, and Clarissa said this is exactly what she is looking for. She enrolled in the Childcare Program through CAPS, and from day one of her first class, she consistently reported how grateful she was for getting into the Childcare Program. The training provider always gave rave reviews regarding Clarissa. They said the children loved her and always wanted to be in her presence. Clarissa called on a Sunday to express her success in obtaining her Child Development Associate (CDA) exam. She was delighted and filled with joy. Clarissa is still working with the training provider today. The training provider kept Clarissa at their facility and stated that she was not one of the best trainees they ever had, but they indicated that she was THE BEST trainee they ever had.

Life Turned Around Within 6 Months because of OAI! Story Image

Life Turned Around Within 6 Months because of OAI!

Delilah came to OAI with ... +
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Name: Delilah
Date: 06/13/2023
Career Pathway: Health Science
Program: Youth Career Pathways
Impacted Geographical Area: LWIA
Location of Service: 60639-3600

Delilah came to OAI with limited healthcare experience and no access to transportation. Still, she demonstrated a drive to succeed and a willingness to receive training and guidance from the OAI Youth Career Pathway (YCP) team. She completed OAI’s youth boot camp on foundational skills and started Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) training.

Delilah experienced transportation issues early in her training, which she shared with the OAI YCP team. Aware of Delilah’s potential, OAI worked with her to develop a plan and provided supportive services to alleviate transportation and scheduling challenges. The team also provided guidance and support to help Delilah secure an internship site closer to her home on the city’s northside.

Delilah did not stop after passing her CNA state board exam and completing her internship. Supported by OAI, Delilah completed Phlebotomy training and registered as a Certified Dementia Practitioner. Now, she is working as a Patient Care Technician at Loyola Gottlieb Memorial Hospital and studying for a nursing program as a registered student at Triton College.

Here is a quote from one email Delilah sent to the OAI team after she completed the program:

“I just want to thank you so much for giving me the opportunity to be a part of the CNA program because it really did make a difference from where I was before I discovered this program! I was able to qualify for the PCT position, and it’s been two years in the making to achieve this goal! My life turned around within six months because of this OAI program which I am incredibly grateful for!”