First Job Comes Naturally For Youth Mentors

“It’s like I’m watching my little brother,” Jessica Garcia...

“It’s like I’m watching my little brother,” Jessica Garcia, 14, smiles as something catches her attention, “Hey guys, be careful!” Two small boys freezing in mid-wrestle on the ground look up as Jessica raises her eyebrow and the two immediately unlock their clasps.  As Jessica resumes the interview, she remarks with a smile, “I want to be a probation officer.” Jessica is among twenty summer Hire L.A. interns assigned to the Salesian Boys & Girls Club.

For many of the interns, this is their first job. “It’s surprisingly fun, of course we have to keep the club clean and sometimes do office work,” 15-year-old Christi Vestao remarks while pushing two girls on the playground swings.  “But when the children begin arriving you forget all that and just have fun with them.”

Some of the interns have long-term plans for their first paycheck, like 19-year-old George Robles: “I have to save up for college. My mom helps as much as she can, but I know I have to do my part as well; I mean it’s my education.”

Youth Program Manager Vincent Guillen says, “We try to bring on as many HIRE LA participants as we can allow. The program is important to give the kids their first work experience and to generally keep them productive and off the streets in the summer.”