News And Stories
Case management program gives youth job skills, internships and support
November 2007
A group of young adults have been meeting at Hopkins Off-Campus Pavilion for job skills classes with Tree Trust case manager Emily Schloesser. This program helps young adults with special needs transition into the workforce by providing them with employment-readiness training and internship opportunities.
Before their Tuesday afternooon class started, participants fiddled with their cell phones and vented their frustration about training they've had in the past: they have heard it all before, they are sick of taking skill assessment tests, and they are tired of doing paperwork and answering repetitive questions.
But Tree Trust's program is different. It combines specific instruction on aspects of job readiness - like how to present oneself when asking for a job application - with hands-on training in community internship positions.
In the early weeks, Emily meets one-on-one with participants to match them with internship positions that fit their interests and goals. Later she provides ongoing support to the interns as they gain the job experience and skills necessary to succeed in the workplace.
Emily is setting up similar sites and partnerships throughout Hennepin County, and her colleague, Ken Lidle, is doing the same in Dakota County.
This program, like Tree Trust's Youth and Young Adult Conservation Corps, helps at-risk and special-needs participants achieve their full potential, but its case management model sets it apart from other Tree Trust programming. Emily and Ken provide one-on-one support and will follow up with participants long after they complete their internships to ensure their success in the workforce.
Tree Trust, through funding support from government contracts, corporation and foundation grants and individual donations, has been helping low-income, at-risk youth and develop job skills and confidence for thirty years. This case management program is a component of our contracts with Hennepin and Dakota County to provide Workforce Investment Act (WIA) services to local youth.
Tree Trust
2350 Wycliff Street Suite 200
Saint Paul, MN 55114
Phone: 651-644-5800
Fax: 651-644-1469
