Nerissa & Anthony's Story--
My name is Nerissa Lee and I am a 19-year-old emancipated foster youth who was enrolled in PathPoint’s WIA Youth Networked Services program. Since the start of my program services with YNS, I have completed the Work Readiness and Career Planning Workshops, and have demonstrated a resolve to put into practice the job readiness skills I have learned to find and maintain employment. I was able to find two part-time jobs in a tough employment market for job seekers. At the same time, I volunteered five hours a week at the Camarillo Healthcare Lifeline, helping with data entry, filing and with mass mailings.
With the help of PathPoint, I have been able to show resiliency and adaptability in overcoming the obstacles I confront on a daily basis in my life. I have learned a lot of lessons over the last few years, but the most important lesson I have learned is not to quit when things get hard. I am a member of the California Youth Connection and I am honored to be voice for youth empowerment.
Anthony’s Story—
My name is Anthony Gaber; I am from Simi Valley. I was 18 years old when I participated in PathPoint’s Summer Youth Employment Program of Ventura County, California.
As part of the program, I completed an 8 hour work readiness training that was offered by Moorpark College in July, 2009. Afterwards, I was offered work experience as a Warehouse Attendant at Telair International. Telair International designs, manufactures and provides after-market support for aerospace products and services to a global market place. I worked 24 hours per week and Miklos Horvath was my supervisor.
When people ask me what I’ve learned from this program I tell them, “I have learned how to take responsibility for myself and how to do things on my own. This is the first job I’ve ever had. Working is my favorite part of the program. I feel really good about myself and my accomplishments.” My goal is to earn a certificate in forklift operation and to become employed full-time.
