“I grew up on the west side of Chicago around poverty and violence. Early on I knew I wanted to be more than a statistic and follow my dreams of a career in the healthcare field.” These are the words of Jekireya, our driven and remarkable client of the month.

Fatima grew up in Kabul, Afghanistan, where she excelled academically and enjoyed advocating for women’s rights. When she and her family moved to the U.S., however, Fatima found it understandably difficult to adjust. “I wasn’t used to using a computer, using the internet, or communicating with others constantly in English,” she shares.

Aleecia is a born-and-raised Chicagoan and oldest of four who lives with her mother and dog Oreo. She was working at a warehouse when a close friend told her about Youth Job Center. “I wasn’t myself before I started YJC, because I was trying to find my career path or figure out what to do with my future,” she says. “But YJC helped me build a brighter future for myself.”

Allana is a teenager from the south side of Chicago who enjoys playing softball, flag football, and violin. Last year, she decided she wanted to add “working a job” to that list of activities, but she wasn’t sure how to get started. When YJC sent information about our This Way ONWard program to Allana’s high school, it seemed like fate.

Ifunanya is a native of Lagos, Nigeria, who moved to the U.S. seven years ago in search of better education opportunities. Armed with a determined spirit and a passion for nursing, she joined YJC in 2022 to get help with completing her nursing education and finding employment. 

POSITION: Cardiac Telemetry Technician
EMPLOYER: University of Chicago Medicine

AGE: 24
POSITION: Patient Care Technician (PCT)
TRAINING PROVIDER: Patient Care Technician program, Tukiendorf Training Institute

AGE: 24
EMPLOYER: Walgreens
DATE EMPLOYED: October 2023

AGE: 20
POSITION: Associate
EMPLOYER: Chicago Food Stop
DATE EMPLOYED: July 2023