HOME is in the process of starting volunteer work experience internships with Center 50+ where youth can gain professional experience. Center 50+ is a public senior center that meets the needs of those ages 50 and older and serves the community. It offers meals, exercise and outdoor programming, social services, lectures, classes, and choir. Most of these amenities are free and open to the public at reduced rates. Seniors report that they use the center because of the meals, recreation, volunteer opportunities, and education. Center 50+ has a collaborative partnership with the City of Salem and Concerned Citizens and Nonprofit Friends of the Salem Senior Center.
Five youth from HOME have completed one-on-one interviews with the director of the center, Marilyn Daily. Many of the youth have never had a professional interview so it was great experience for them. They were required to fill out a volunteer application so that they may start training. The work involves janitorial services, dish washing, and being a café barista. The youth will be trained in all of those areas and the commitment is that they go once a week for four weeks, two hours at a time. The volunteer work provides valuable work experience for their resumes, helps them to reconnect with the community, and benefit from a relationship with the seniors. Upon completion of their hours, they will receive a letter of recommendation from Center 50+. A person needs experience to get hired, but a person needs to get hired to get experience. This volunteer opportunity will be a good way for the youth to practice getting work experience, which will allow them to get ahead in the job market.
The program manager, Marilyn Daily, has been wonderfully accommodating with the youth by giving them the valuable first experience with a professional interview. She was willing to work with HOME and aid the youth in having more professional experiences. We are grateful for her help by giving this great opportunity to the youth at HOME.
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