Youth Programs

Contact Lucia Rios, Youth Services Coordinator lucia@dnlakeshore.org

Disability Network offers several programs geared toward preparing young adults for employment, independence, and community connections. These programs include:

YOUTH EMPLOYMENT SUMMIT (YES)

Youth Employment Summit gives 14-18 year olds the opportunity to learn how to get and keep a job. The program focuses on skill development, budgeting, career choices and preparation, interviewing, and worker responsibilities. Topics are separated into six sessions, which last between 1 to 2 hours a meeting. Sessions include:

  • Work – who needs that?: Youth increase their knowledge of the value of work, beyond the paycheck.
  • Makin’ Money: Youth learn effective money management skills.
  • American Idol vs. American Wannabe’s: Youth identify interests, abilities, and are knowledgeable of the skills needed to obtain competitive employment.
  • Employer Speak: Youth understand the importance of acquiring the right skills in obtaining and maintaining employment.
  • The Job Search, Applications & More!: Youth learn how to go about finding a job and filling out a job application.
  • Interviewing Skills: Youth acquire basic interviewing skills.
  • (Upon Request) Mock Interviews: Youth practice interviewing skills and are given feedback based on individual interviews.

Visit the YES Facebook Page!

Current Participants for the 10-11 School Year:

  • Black River Public School
  • Hudsonville High School
  • Fennville High School
  • Hamilton High School
  • VR Tech
  • West Ottawa High School
Past Participants Include:
  • Pathways
  • Upward Bound
  • Wavecrest Career Academy
  • Rock Youth Ministry
  • The Boys & Girls Club of Holland
  • The Gray Center
  • Coopersville High School
  • Michigan Commission for the Blind
TRANSITION PRESENTATIONS
Offered to high school students in a classroom setting and through community forums for parents and professionals, these presentations cover topics such as careers, life skills, and self-advocacy.

CAREER CONNECTIONS
Career Connections gives 14-18 year olds the opportunity to participate in:
  • job shadowing,
  • informational interviews and
  • industry tours with local employers

Classroom presentations with specific employers can be set up on a first come first serve basis. Disability Network/lakeshore has a database of employers in Ottawa County who have an interest in educating our youth about the realities of the workplace.

Past Employers Include:

  • 4-Tune Auto Repair - Holland
  • Adecco - Holland
  • Autobody Xperts Carstar – Hudsonville
  • DeeWeerd & Van Dyke - Hudsonville
  • Fresh Coats LLC - Holland
  • Gary Byker Memorial Library - Hudsonville
  • Holland Rescue Mission - Holland
  • IMS Computer Systems Inc. - Hudsonville
  • Nephew Physical Therapy & Massage Services - Holland
  • Olan Mills – Holland
  • Primera Plastics - Zeeland
  • Second Floor Bakery - Holland
  • True Life Chiropractic - Holland
  • United Federal Credit Union - Holland
  • WJQ 99 – Zeeland
And more!