YOUTH SERVICES       If you've visited "The Renewal Story" page, you know that Renewal Unlimited's first efforts targeted young people who needed to finish their secondary education and develop employment skills.  Participants in the 1977 Renewal program worked toward a high school equivalency certificate while renovating older homes, which were then sold to low-income families. Renewal has remained dedicated to this population and to the success of this type of programming ever since.  With experience now spanning four decades, Renewal offers a variety of options to eligible youth and young adults who have often struggled in a "traditional" school environment, who need to develop marketable work and employability skills, or who want assistance exploring career and educational options. A grant from the South Central Wisconsin Workforce Development Board, supports the Youth Services Program for Columbia, Dodge, and Sauk counties.   The Workforce Investment Act of the late 1990s did away with the JTPA youth programs, creating smaller regions and more flexible programming to help eligible youth develop and complete academic and occupational goals -- and successfully join the workforce.   The agency has created a network of mentors, educators and employers to support our participants.  In-school youth aged 14-21 receive tutoring, job readiness and retention training, and both paid and unpaid work experiences with local businesses.  We provide at least 12 months individualized guidance, targeting graduation or GED/HSED completion, and full-time, stable employment or secondary education.   Providing   Support toward attaining a high School diploma   Job search for full or part-time work that is  compatible with one’s interests and skills   Assistance with setting goals   Job retention assistance   Opportunities to connect with other youth through Job Club and community service activities   GED/HSED Preparation support   Post high school career awareness and goal setting   Opportunities to connect with job and community mentors   Connection with community services  needed to achieve goals   Development of employability skills through participation in the Community Garden Project.   The involvement of parents/guardians is greatly encouraged. Program participants and parents/guardians will have opportunities to evaluate the Youth Services Program’s effectiveness.   Michelle Kirsh, Youth Services Case Manager, provides the services for youth and employers from our offices in Beaver Dam and Portage.  She can answer your questions at: In Columbia & Dodge County:   Michael Rundio Youth and Family Services Manager 2900 Red Fox Run Portage, WI  53901 (608)742-5329 mrundio@renewalunlimited.net   Michelle Kirsh Youth Employment & Training Specialist 2900 Red Fox Run Portage, WI  53901 (608) 742-5329 mkirsh@renewalunlimited.net
Youth Services Information Request Form   Please use the form below to request information on Renewal Unlimited, Inc.'s Youth Services Program. If you would like to send comments or feedback on Renewal Unlimited, Inc. or one of it's programs please use the feedback page by following this link. Select the items that apply, and then let us know how to contact you. Send Youth Services Information Send Agency Information Name Title Company Address E-mail Phone