Teens Against Killing Everywhere (TAKE) has been working in East Saint Louis, Illinois, and surrounding areas for 30+ years. What began as a modest effort to address missing maintenance hole covers and broken streetlights in the Emerson Park neighborhood of East St. Louis has become one of the Metro East community's largest and most proactive community-based organizations.

The mission of Teens Against Killing Everywhere is to assist the residents of the Emerson Park neighborhood and its surrounding communities in achieving their full human potential by offering high-quality programs in three areas:

1. Housing and Economic Development
2. Education and Job Training
3. Community Advocacy

Fenandez "Dez" Mosley came to TAKE in the Summer of 2022 for the first Career Pathways program our agency ever implemented. When he completed the intake process, Fenandez showed enthusiasm, grit, and a deep desire to change his life. His goal was simple: he wanted to earn a trade and a job that would allow him to leverage his natural ability to build things and his communication and business acumen. Dez showed up on day one with a great attitude. He learned all that he could learn from anyone in our building. He was here regularly--only missing one day to take an exam that would earn him an additional credential. He was a high achiever.

Daily, Fenandez would excel in the classroom portion of his program. He earned the highest score possible in the academic setting. In the project-based section of the program, Dez was a natural leader who often took time to assist his brother, who suffered from a traumatic brain injury (TBI). He showed great care and concern for his classmates, who all considered him their leader and guide.

On the internship portion of the program, his worksite, C.A. Jones Home Builders, quickly noticed Dez and offered him employment four weeks before completing his internship. Shortly after that, Dez applied for and was accepted to the Union.

Fenandez is a prime example of how valuable workforce programs are to individuals with strong drive and determination but who want to avoid going the traditional route! Youth Career Pathways was the catalyst to help Dez change his life.

He often stops by to speak to students and works in collaboration with our instructors to make coursework engaging. We look forward to seeing all that is in store for Mr. Mosley.

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.

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.