Nicole June Reporting
njune@clarksvillenow.com
CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. – Youth Employment Services (YES) of Clarksville is offering local teenagers the opportunity to help others while furthering their own career opportunities for the future.
The mentoring program allows youth ages 12-18 to give back to the community through service projects while learning responsibility and self-worth.
Ken Roberts, Executive Director of YES, said the faith-based program has heard positive reactions from the 17 teens who have participated so far.
“They’re not only working together, but they’re having fun doing it,” he said. “We like the kids to engage in community service and provide them with opportunities to find jobs in the future.”
The teens participate in a variety of projects, including lawn care for the disabled and elderly, nursing home visits, tutoring, and feeding the hungry at Manna Café Ministries and The Well.
Beyond community service, the participants are partnered with personal mentors who guide them toward career-based goals through training and character development.
“We want them to trust in themselves and their abilities, learn to work together, and to develop positive self-esteem to allow them to be good citizens in the community,” Roberts said.
The program also offers educational support, sports, job referrals, intern opportunities, and counseling services.
Youth in the Clarksville, Montgomery County, and Fort Campbell areas are eligible for the program. For more information, contact Ken Roberts at 931-266-9534 or email kennethroberts5920@att.net.
Youth Employment Services will hold a Father/Son Breakfast April 26 at The Well, 224 Union St.
YES is sponsored by Sango Family Dental and Trenton Crossing Church of Christ.
See photos from the program below, courtesy of Ken Roberts: