Over the last decade, more than 40% of the SAFE Center’s clients have been youth and young adults under age 25. This summer, the SAFE Center hosted two programs designed to equip youth with skills for success in employment, education, and everyday responsibilities as they transition to young adulthood.
At the start of the summer, we hosted an Employment and Labor Rights Workshop specifically designed for youth. Our economic empowerment, legal, and social services teams collaborated to facilitate conversations about employment preparedness and workers’ rights. The program provided support to youth who were considering summer employment and aimed to reduce risk factors for labor exploitation. By the end of this program, participants were better equipped with skills and tools to navigate barriers to employment and take steps toward greater independence.
In early August, the SAFE Center developed and led a multi-day back-to-school program for youth clients focused on building practical skills to support success in the classroom, workplace, and everyday life. Participants learned about event planning, resume writing, job application processes, and professional communication, then put these skills into practice by collaborating with staff to host a back-to-school event for the community of SAFE Center families with food, clothing, and school supplies distribution.
The program also included lessons on how to schedule and prepare for medical and Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration appointments to encourage self-sufficiency. Designated “no-phone” periods gave youth opportunities to learn their emergency contact information, navigate everyday situations without internet access, and practice staying focused and engaged – skills that are essential in both academic and professional settings.
While having fun and engaging in learning through these programs, youth clients were equipped with practical skills and confidence to manage personal responsibilities, reducing vulnerability to trafficking.
