Casey Family Programs host job fair helps D.C. foster care youths

Casey Family Programs hosted a job fair at the CFSA Youth Empowerment Center called the ‘JumpStart Fair’ on May 17. The fair was for young people who will soon age out of foster care with resources they need to live on their own. Trainers from Wells Fargo and recruiters from local businesses such as Copper Canyon Grill attended, as did D.C. Mayor Vincent Gray. More than 130 youths participated.

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Allyson Canada-Marcus,left, explored banking options with Mohamed Saleck Ahmed Sneyba, middle, a personal banker with Wells Fargo.

Antoine Wood / ANTOINE WOOD PRODUCTION

The JumpStart fair May 17 connected D.C. youth who will age out of foster care within 12 months with resources they need to live on their own.

Antoine Wood / ANTOINE WOOD PRODUCTION

Corie Howard, 20, looked over job applications from local employers.

Antoine Wood / ANTOINE WOOD PRODUCTION

Tamara Johnson, 20, used the computer lab at the CFSA Youth Empowerment Center to fill out an online application for a job opening she learned about at the fair.

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Wells Fargo offered budgeting advice to the young adults at the fair.

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(L to R): Julian Severino and Yvonne Randolph of Copper Canyon Grill were among nearly a dozen organizations offering jobs.

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Randolph, left, speaks with Sierra McPherson, 20, right, about job opportunities.

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(L to R): A Job Corp representative explores opportunities with Damilola Alainkuowo and Ebony Zimmerman.

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(L to R): DC Child and Family Services Agency Director Brenda Donald, D.C. Mayor Vincent C. Gray, youth speaker Don Thomas, 20.

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Thomas who will age out of care in March 2013, made opening remarks at the fair. He works two jobs and hopes to start college this fall to study business management or information technology. “We all need to take advantage of all these opportunities here today,” he said.

Antoine Wood / ANTOINE WOOD PRODUCTION

William C. Bell, president and CEO of Casey Family Programs, "D.C. has made a commitment to being a Community of Hope,” he said. "Hope that young people can get a good education, have a roof over their head, and hope they can fulfill their dreams for a successful future." Casey Family Programs sponsored the fair.

Antoine Wood / ANTOINE WOOD PRODUCTION

Board of Trustees for Casey Family Programs Sheila Evans-Traunumn told the youth, "We applaud your resilience."

Antoine Wood / ANTOINE WOOD PRODUCTION

Former CFSA Director Roque Gerald, left, told Keyona Cooper, 20, about a job opportunity with Washingtonians for Children. Gerald recently launched the group to increase community support for District children and youth in foster care.

Antoine Wood / ANTOINE WOOD PRODUCTION

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