The Workforce Innovation Board of Ramsey County is excited to announce that the recipient of the 2020 Vern Vick Memorial Award is Mary Sue Hansen. This award is given annually to an individual or group who has contributed exceptionally to the support and empowerment of Ramsey County’s youth through personal, academic or career development.
“We are thrilled to honor Mary Sue with this deserving award," said Ramsey County Workforce Solutions Director Ling Becker. "She loves our community and her work demonstrates a deep commitment to ensuring all those who work with youth are connected and networked together in order to close so many of the gaps that exist in our community for your young residents."
As director of the Suburban Ramsey Family Collaborative for more than 21 years, Mary Sue has extensive experience in the development, oversight, evaluation and implementation of a comprehensive prevention and early intervention system of care for children, youth and families experiencing at-risk circumstances in the areas of their health, learning, safety and security. The SRFC is a partnership of schools, county, public health, corrections, nonprofit agencies, mental health service providers, faith communities and youth organizations. The fundamental question that guides everything Mary Sue does is: “How are the children?” Where children, youth and families are experiencing cracks in the safety net and are not doing well, she becomes a connector, convener, weaver, and at times, disrupter - working together with partners to repair that net so all of our children and adolescents experience the fullness of opportunity that health and wellness, safe, supportive and secure community environments ensure.
Ramsey County Commissioner Mary Jo McGuire shared, "Mary Sue is an invaluable asset to our community who constantly goes above and beyond to help children and families throughout suburban Ramsey County. She has extraordinary skills at collaborating, connecting and bringing people together for the benefit of all. As current chair of the SRFC board, I get to see first-hand how her work positively impacts our community. She is definitely deserving of this recognition, and I know that everyone she works with would agree."
This award is dedicated to the memory of Vern Vick, a widely respected member of his community, an inspirational leader and role model in the field of youth development. Throughout his life, Vern dedicated himself to working with and improving the lives of Ramsey County’s youth through his long-term involvement in education as well as his participation in organizations and activities designed to develop the full potential of our county’s youth.
|
Data Deep Dive
As this newsletter continues, we will be digging into data about our community’s young people (ages 14-24). Where are they working? Who is employing them? How much are they earning? We hope this information will help you be more observant of young people in your office or down the street.
- Youth and young adults have not been exempt from the recent surge of COVID-19 related layoffs.
- Between March 16 and April 28, 46,320 young people, ages 16-24, have applied for unemployment in the Twin Cities Planning Region.
- Nearly 16% of all individuals who applied for unemployment during this time in the Twin Cities Planning Region are age 16-24.
Virtual Youth Voice Event
Because of the pandemic, Youth Works! had to cancel the planned in person Youth Voice Event scheduled for April 21st. To keep the momentum of the Youth Works! initiative, and because it is more critical now then ever to center impacted voices, Youth Works! is in the process of planning a digital youth voice event. During this event young people will be invited to join us in a video call to discuss ideas and solutions to the challenges of engaging youth in work experiences. If you are interested in helping to plan or promote this event, please contact Rachael.
|
Youth Works! Partner: Bridge to CNA Program
Featured Employers: Always Here Home Care, LLC and Ebenezer Care Center
Zenaida and Amariana are two of 15 participants in a recent cohort of the Bridge to CNA Program. Prior to the current health situation, there was a great need for care professionals and the current crisis has only exacerbated that issue.
After completing the CNA training, without the clinical hours due to the pandemic and very limited access to health facilities, Zenaida (pictured top left) and Amariana (pictured right) still pursued employment in caring for others. Zenaida was recently hired as a Personal Care Attendant for Always Here Home Care, LLC and Amariana was hired as a Resident Assistant at Ebenezer Care Center. We thank Zenaida and Amariana for their dedication to service and wiliness to step up to this challenging position during this time of uncertainty!
|
“Thank you to Ramsey County Workforce Solutions and CLUES for offering this training program. I would recommended this program to anyone who wants to be a certified nursing assistant or in a similar field. I was able to find a job after I completed this program.” -Zenaida
“CLUES and Ramsey County ULEAD focus their energy on helping you become successful. Why put energy into saying you can’t when you could put that same energy into doing it.” -Amariana
Have your own Youth Works! success story to share?
Submit your story here: Youth Works! Success Story
|
This award will be given to Ramsey County employers who have dedicated their time, resources and care to support their community’s youth and young adults. These employers are nominated by Ramsey County youth and young adults who have directly benefited from the support provided by the employers. Ramsey County Youth Works! recognizes the important efforts of all who are nominated.
Want to nominate an employer?
Submit a Youth Employer of Choice Award.
|
|
 |
|
