As part of their Jacksonville HELPS (Homeless Students Empowered through Leadership, Partnership and Service) campaign, teens in the I’m A Star Foundation hosted a job fair last week at the Bradham-Brooks Library on North Edgewood.
I’m A Star partnered with Chartwells Schools Dining Services to help the parents and guardians of homeless youth discover opportunities for employment.
Dozens of attendees were able to interview with prospective employers and provide their resumes for open positions. Available positions included kitchen managers, food service and production workers. Participants applying for positions also had their background screening fees waived.
I’m A Star Foundation Executive Director Betty Seabrook Burney says, “Our students realize one way to stem the tide of homelessness is for parents and guardians to have stable employment, with benefits, that can help them afford housing.”
Since 2012, the teens have focused on providing resources to youth identified as homeless in Duval County Public Schools. Currently, there are 3000+ children in the district who live in shelters, hotels, with relatives or on the streets. To date, the Foundation has raised a total of $96,500 via live telethons, a 5K and three celebrity basketball games, donating all funds to the Duval County Homeless Education Program.
The organization has also awarded over 20+ scholarships to homeless students entering college. This year’s Jacksonville HELPS Celebrity Basketball Game is set for Saturday, September 22nd, 6 p.m. at Paxon School for Advanced Studies.
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