Cherokee Youth Works

Funded by a Grant from the Atlanta Regional Workforce Board and the Work Investment Act

Developed by Cherokee FOCUS to enhance the lives of the Youth of Cherokee County

Cherokee Youth Works was developed and designed to fill the gaps in the lives of youth who lack the family, educational, and social frameworks to meet their essential needs.

The primary elements of the program include direct services and services which will be made available through community partnerships in the following areas:

Tutoring, study skills, and dropout prevention strategies
Alternative secondary school offerings
Summer employment opportunities linked to academic and occupational learning
Paid and unpaid work experience
Occupational and Life skills training
Leadership development
Supportive Services
Adult mentoring
Comprehensive guidance and counseling
Follow up activities

The program is designed to service youth between the ages of 14 and 21 who meet the eligibility requirements set forth by the Workforce Investment Act.

The target populations for this program include:

Youth in Foster Care
Youth currently participating in Vocational Rehabilitation Services
Youth who are being served by the Department of Juvenile Justice
Youth who are not in school and who have not received a High School Diploma or GED
Youth who are currently in school who have educational deficiencies and who are not already participating in a WIA funded program.

Services are free to eligible participants.

Referrals to this program are generated by:

Self referral by the youth
Parents, Guardian’s or Foster Parents
DFCS Case Manager or ILP Coordinator
Department of Juvenile Justice
Counselors

The approval process begins with an initial referral and intake followed by an orientation which will include eligibility determination.

Once a youth is accepted into the program an assessment will be completed which will be used in the development of an individualized plan which will target areas which may hinder a youth’s successful transition into adulthood.

The Staff of Cherokee Youth Works can be contacted at 770-345-5483. Please speak to

JoNell Courson or Marti Brock