40th Anniversary: A Letter from Leadership

Apr 26

Dear friends:

For four decades, Y.O.U. has steadfastly operated with one focus: ensuring all teens and young adults, no matter their age, race or address, are ready to pursue a path to economic self-sufficiency through coaching, career exploration, training and work experiences.

As the community reflects upon this 40-year milestone, we are reminded of Cleveland’s motto, “Progress and Prosperity.” We celebrate Y.O.U.’s progress by innovating through data-driven practices, expanding to serve both teens and young adults, and collaborating with community partners and employers. Year after year, Y.O.U. adapts to the workforce landscape with an eye toward the future, grounded in the realities of poverty and systemic racism faced by our participants.

The demand for prosperity transcends Cleveland’s borders and is felt region-wide. Education systems are the only institutions creating new members of our workforce. We all must look to our schools and consider how we can support students in becoming the leaders of tomorrow. To realize a prosperous Northeast Ohio, we must also accomplish Y.O.U.’s vision of a just and equitable community where every young person is readily and confidently pursing a meaningful future.

Thank you for supporting 40 years of progress and for your future commitments to bringing all of us closer to a region of prosperity.

Craig Dorn
President & CEO

James Hardiman
Chair of the Board