YouthBuild
Yemi oversees the CTS- Project Y.E.S. YouthBuild Program, leading an over-arching strategy of continued success, through the dove-tailing of exceptional supportive services and data outcomes management and contract compliance.
Yemi has over 20 years of experience managing programs geared towards serving youth and adults, beginning with pregnant and parenting teens, welfare-to- work, adult re-entry, and adjudicated youth.
Yemi has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics and Social Studies, from the University of East Anglia, Norwich, England, a Master of Arts degree in Development Economics from the University of Kent at Canterbury, England, and an Executive Master’s degree in Business Administration from Saint Joseph’s University in Philadelphia. She has been part of the CTS team since 2011, focusing her efforts on continued program development, evaluation, capacity-building and sustainability.
YOUTHBUILD
AmeriCorps
For at-risk youth, ages 16 to 24 years who seek to obtain their high school diploma or GED or enroll in college, Job Corps, apprenticeships, extended vocational training or the military or begin work. Participants receive certified, industry-recognized and high demand occupation vocational training in construction trades, security, forklift operation, PennDot flagger, culinary arts, housing retrofit and insulation, EPA lead paint abatement, security guard.
Program involves GED preparation and acquisition, leadership development through Youth Council, job preparation, job placement and job retention services and supportive services with 40 agencies. Supportive Services include substance abuse treatment; mental health; medical care; food; clothing; shelter; child care; transportation; legal services; family counseling services and more. Community service project required. Services began in 2009. CTS has met or exceeded all program goals.
YouthBuild Staff
Vanessa Wood is the Case Manager for Project Yes- Youth-build. Vanessa was formerly the Retention Specialist for the Training to Work program, an adult re-entry program focused on vocational training and re-entry services for formerly incarcerated adults in the Philadelphia region.
Vanessa has over 9 years of experience working with organization that address social issues such as: high risk pregnancies focused on maternity issues facing black and brown women, formally incarcerated, work readiness, assisting with DPW benefits, and assisting the elderly population with services.
In her current role, Vanessa will be assisting the students with addressing barriers that may deter students from completing their training and GED completion. She will also be assisting the students with applying for services provided by state, helping to gain employment opportunities, and assistance with applications for post-secondary education.
Travis Sellers is an Education Coordinator, at Connection Training Services, Project YES YouthBuild with 15 years’ experience helping youth between the ages of 16-24 needing educational and vocational training. Specializing in behavior health and creative development, Travis uses that experience to help empower YouthBuild members to find their success in education and their career goals.
John Wilson is the Career Services Coordinator at Connections Training Services, Project YES YouthBuild. John has been helping youth between the ages of 16-24, specifically those needing educational and vocational training. John Specializes in career development, providing students with his inside scopes and tips from a successful career in the corporate sector. John uses that experience to empower YouthBuild members to find their success in education and their career goals.
