February 2020
Kaylee has a passion for food. “I’ve been cooking since I was 6 years old, with my Dad and Grandma”, she remembers. Kaylee first came to YES at 16 years of age through the Youth Job Connection program. The YJC team recognized Kaylee’s culinary interests and through the program, she was able to gain food preparation experience at Franki’s pizza and Tim Horton’s. More importantly, though, the team encouraged Kaylee to continue on in school with the goal of entering the Culinary Program at Confederation College. When Kaylee completed the YJC program she was connected with College Link and working at Tim Horton’s.
Fast forward a few years. Kaylee was still working toward her goal, but gaining Culinary credits required a more flexible work schedule. Eventually, she had to leave Tim Horton’s because her position could not offer the flexibility she needed at school. She decided to come back to YES for help. She started working with Career Development Practitioner, Deb Summers who helped her develop an action plan through the Employment Service program. The focus was to find a flexible position where Kaylee could gain experience in her field while continuing on at the College. She was already gaining Culinary credits so she had some skills to offer local employers.
After exploring a few different options, Deb contacted Lisa Lemarquand, Co-owner of Fox on the Run. Lisa was looking for someone to help with service, food prep and to assist with the business’s catering. She agreed to provide Kaylee with an opportunity. Kaylee started a job trial in December of 2019. By the end of the trial, Kaylee had impressed, Lisa with her performance and contribution to the business. Lisa offered her a part-time position that provided the flexibility that Kaylee needed to keep working toward her Culinary diploma.
Kaylee’s dream is now in sight and she appreciates the help that YES provided through both the Youth Job Connection and Employment Service programs. Now 21, Kaylee looks back at her 16 year old self and the journey that brought her here. She recognizes that Career Pathways are often long and winding. She remembers the set-backs she experienced at school and in relationships that she had to work hard to come back from. She realizes that staying focused on reaching education and career goals becomes easier when there are community partners to help
We want to thank Fox on the Run for providing this pivitol opportunity for Kaylee. Congratulations, Kaylee on your perseverance and success!
If you would like assistance defining and achieving your training and employment goals, YES is here to help. Just walk in.
Congratulations to our Contest Winner
Join us in congratulating Alexandria, the lucky winner of our Website Launch Contest. We hope you and your family enjoy the prize! Alexandria took home a Sony wireless Extra Bass speaker valued at over $200 when we drew her name from all our contest entries. Thank you to everyone who visited our new website and entered the contest. Be sure to continue to visit our new site for YES news, events, and programs. Check our Job Bank for new jobs posted daily!
