Suburban Trends
October 4, 2006
Morris County program joins teenagers and jobs
Jenna Park of Kinnelon gets some quality play time with Anthony, Emily and Vinnie at Mountain Lakes Country Day School in Mountain Lakes. Jenna was linked to this job through NewBridge's Summer Youth Employment program. To learn more about this program, call (973) 839-2521, ext. 298.
For several years, Worrall has worked to link Morris County teens ages 14-17 with summer jobs throughout the area. Although promoted heavily to the business community, the program has gained tremendous momentum among teens, and subsequently is always in need of more local businesses to fill requests for job opportunities. She gives priority to teens whom she feels would most benefit from summer work.
"Who says today's youth don't want to work?" said Worrall. "They really do, and though we are building our base of loyal businesses that have benefited from this unique offering, we must keep networking to meet the quickly growing number of younger teens seeking employment."
This year, the Summer Youth Employment program provided dozens of area teens with a valuable summer work experience.
"You wouldn't believe the sense of honor coming from these young men and women," said Worrall. "They just want to find success through work, and it is so rewarding for them to get a job and become proud, experienced and professional young workers."
Worrall seeks out job opportunities that match the teens' interests, networking to find them jobs at restaurants, camps, grocery stores, daycare centers, gift shops, and dry cleaners throughout Morris County area businesses.
In the end, Park was such a good fit for her job that she was offered the opportunity to work there through the school year.
"This program helped me a lot," said Park. "Jill really cared about what I
wanted to do, and it's been a lot of fun. I love playing with the kids."
The daycare center is equally delighted to have connected with Park through the Summer Youth Employment program.
"Employing part-time afternoon caregivers is very difficult. Jill reached out with a brochure, then called to find out if we could use help, and Jenna came in here formally dressed and prepared with working papers and a resume," said Mary Collito, director of the daycare center. "We find it helpful that Jill follows up; it's as if the teens are doubly supervised. We would absolutely recommend this program."
NewBridge wishes to thank the following companies for participating in the 2006 Summer Youth Employment program: Simply the Best Inflatables of Fairfield; A&P, Post-Net, Rhyme & Reason Daycare, Heritage Grill, and Cycle Center, all of Denville; Paddicakes Daycare of Succasunna; Mount Tabor Country Club; Creative Heartworks of Morris Plains; JCC Camp of Flanders/Whippany; Chicken Heaven and Dell's Dry Cleaners of Boonton; Camp Merryheart of Hackettstown; Boys and Girls Club of Pequannock, and Mountain Lakes Country Day School.
To join the growing list of companies that participate in the Summer Youth Employment program, call Jill Worrall at (973) 839-2521, ext. 298. To register for the NewBridge mailing list and receive tips, newsletters and information on upcoming programs and events, visit www.newbridge.org.
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