Central Pa. nonprofit using partnerships to help youth gain workforce, life skills [Video]

Youth Advocate Programs, Inc. (YAP™) Berks County has placed 15 youth who have disabilities or face other employment barriers with summer jobs thanks to a partnership with the Pennsylvania Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR) My Work.

In its fourth year, the program has expanded to provide employment experiences to 280 program participants with almost 80 employers, including a growing number of nonprofits, a press release said.

“I really think it’s important because this program gives people in our community a chance to get out there and learn a job skill that can be so beneficial to them in so many ways,” YAP Berks County Program Director Amy Schermerhorn said in the release. “To me, it feels like we’re giving back to the community because we’re working with other nonprofits in a positive way.”