Keeping youth earning, learning, and safely connected to their Juma community through the COVID-19 pandemic

When we heard that the U.S. would be postponing professional sporting events indefinitely, our first thoughts were for the 500 Juma youth employed in stadiums around the country, who would no longer be able to engage in meaningful employment. With uncertainty about whether Juma youth would be eligible for stimulus checks or unemployment payments, the need to provide immediate alternative means to earn income was urgent. Thanks to the generosity of our communities and the indomitable will of Juma youth, today we are providing new and safe ways for youth to continue earning and moving toward their goals.

We've pivoted to provide our essential programming online. Youth have the opportunity to learn skills that will help them in their longterm goals from the safety of online classrooms. 

Youth are learning skills such as:

• Financial Capability
• Customer Service
• Professionalism in the workplace
• Communication

Perhaps most importantly, youth are staying connected to their Juma community and future goals. Youth are checking in regularly with their Juma Program Coordinators and regularly participating in team activities online.

Youth are also preparing for the futures with skills like:

• Resume Writing
• Interviewing
• Building a LinkedIn Profile

With most Juma youth ineligible for stimulus checks or unemployment payments, the need to provide alternative means of earning income was urgent. Thanks to the generosity of our community, we have been able to offer all Juma youth the opportunity to earn stipends to help them pay for essentials while they are unable to work.

Additionally, Juma is actively seeking business opportunities to keep youth employed and working toward bright futures, exploring a wide range of industries from retail to logistics and fulfillment.

Numbers reported above reflect student progress as of November 2020

With help from Juma, Alejandro is working toward his goals and making the money he needs to help his family through this challenging time.

With your help, Juma's COVID-19 response fund, When Work Is Not An Option, has raised over $300,000 to date. To learn how you can help, or to make a donation, please contact Andrea Coen, Chief Development Officer at andreac@juma.org or click on the link below to learn more about Juma's programs, impact, and youth stories.

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