Chicago Preschool Finds Chicago Youth Hardworking and Heartwarming

Marjorie Jones’s decision to turn to the Summer Jobs Program to hire three summer camp counselors saved her time and warmed her heart.

“Participating in this program gave me an appreciation for what the Summer Jobs Program does, and that there are other people in this city who take their jobs of working for the betterment of children and youth seriously. It does my heart good to see the city's money well spent,” she said.

Marjorie is the director of the Creative Mansion Children’s Academy, Inc., a not-for-profit, Christian preschool utilizing a holistic approach in addressing students’ physical, social, emotional, academic and spiritual needs. The school is housed in a mansion in Chicago’s historic Kenwood neighborhood.

“One of the main benefits of hiring employees through the Summer Jobs Program is that they are pre-interviewed. The program has thousands of youth who come to them for summer jobs. Account Executives work with you to assure that each candidate is a good fit. I was well-pleased with the process and the diligence,” she said

The program matches young people and employers based on job requirements and the skills and interests of the interns. Account Executives remained in touch with both parties to help ensure success. “I would have hired someone else without the Summer Jobs Program, but I do not feel that I would have had the same quality of candidates that were provided – The alternative would have been more like groping in the dark.”

The summer campers, ages 5 to 12, were as pleased as Marjorie with their young counselors, who related well to kids and colleagues alike and helped to create a balance of fun and learning during the summer camp experience.

The three summer employees clearly feel the same way. Two return during college breaks to work at the Creative Mansion Children’s Academy, and one was hired as full-time permanent staff in the school’s logistics department.

“Our interns were very responsible, prompt, ethical and professional. Our staff love to see them coming. They were very open to learning, expectations and being team players. I was surprised that they maintained communication with us and that they chose to work here on their breaks. They also want to come back next year! I could not have asked for better interns and I know that I certainly would not have found anyone like them on my own. Kudos to the Summer Jobs Program. You're the best!”

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