INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — On Friday, May 29, CareerSource Research Coast was proud to host the second annual Youth Celebration Awards Ceremony at the River Walk Center in Fort Pierce. The event recognized those the organization serves through its Youth Connection Services who have gone above and beyond to achieve their goals.
Fifty young adults from across the Treasure Coast were applauded for overcoming great barriers and working hard towards finishing school or obtaining employment. They obtained certificates recognizing them in categories such as “Dedication and Commitment to Personal Success,” “Educational Achievement,” and “Career Leadership,” among others.
Of those young adults, the following were the winners of the Shining Star Award for their outstanding commitment to the Youth Connections program:
Jessica Gilbert and Rosa Guillen of Vero Beach
Zuleica Cruz and Ashley Taylor of Port Saint Lucie
Sha’Dajia Williams of Okeechobee
Courtney Hamilton and Therby Blanc of Fort Pierce
Heather Davis and Shawn Christopher of Palm City
“We are very proud of our youth,” said Deann Ferrell, area manager of the Youth Connections program. “These young adults work very hard to achieve their education, work readiness training, and employment.”
These young adults received a great deal of help and support from the outstanding career coaches who serve as mentors for the Youth Services program.
“Career Coaches do a great part in helping lead these young adults into future career pathways they never thought possible,” Ferrell said. “(Career Coaches) help them envision their hopes and dreams and turn them into realities. Without the compassion of our career coaches, this would not be possible. Youth Connections staff work very closely with our youth to ensure they are receiving the best mentoring to help them make positive choices. We find that believing in our youth helps them to believe in themselves and hope for a brighter future.”
The Youth Connections program appreciates the assistance of area community partners and employers who provide youth with support and growth opportunities on their journey to success.
The following partners were recognized for their continued dedication to helping youth in our communities:
The 19th Hole at the Saints
Hope’s Closet
Tammie Henderson at Little People’s Academy II
Hot Pie Inc.
Christine Oquiendo at CTE MC High School
The East Stuart Youth Initiative
Indian River County Sheriff Office
Indian River Adult Education
The organization would like to extend a special thank you to the City of Fort Pierce for donating the space at the River Walk Center, where the awards ceremony was held.
Following the awards, guests were treated to lunch catered by Smoke King Barbecue and cake provided by Publix bakery.
CareerSource Research Coast Youth Connections program serves 16 to 21 year old young adults to provide access to services and activities that connect youth to jobs and college. Youth Connections is an eligibility-based program, designed to help young adults who face significant barriers in achieving personal goals. The Youth Connections program has Career Coaches trained to help them overcome those challenges, determine their education and career goals, and stay on track until they reach those goals.
