Second Chance for a Challenged Teen

Damian is a student at McCoy Academy Alternative School. He is an 18 year-old “super senior.” This means that he is an older student and credit deficient. He began High School at Lincoln High School, but because of his lack of attendance dropped out by his sophomore year.  He then transferred into Open Meadow Alternative School where again, because of poor attendance, was asked to leave. He was then enrolled at McCoy Academy and was referred into Impact NW’s Urban Opportunities job-readiness program in the fall of 2009.

Damian started attending Urban Opportunities classes. He has a severe speech impediment and presents as quiet and uncommunicative in group settings. He only missed one of the Urban Opportunities classes in three months. When a janitorial position came up at Voodoo Doughnuts, it seemed like a good opportunity for him. The Urban Opportunities liaison set up an interview for Damian and was able to discuss his strengths with the managers beforehand.  The managers were already aware of the issues facing some of the youth in the Urban Opportunities program.

Voodoo Doughnuts decided to give Damian a chance. The probationary and training period went by and Damian did a great job. After two weeks, Voodoo Doughnut hired Damian permanently. His attendance was perfect, the other staff really liked him, and the managers all agreed that he was a hard worker.

Although Damian’s attendance at his job was perfect, his school attendance began to slip. Impact NW staff talked with Damian, and let him know that he could only keep his job if his attendance improved at school. He took this very seriously and his school attendance improved immediately.

After working at Voodoo for six months as a janitor, Damian was promoted to “Fryer.” He received a pay raise and more hours. He also received “work” credit for school, which helped him to graduate last June. He is currently employed at Voodoo Doughnuts and the manager reports that he is doing a great job!