MANSFIELD, OH – With the sun high and summer in full swing, over 150 local youth are now gaining valuable work experience through Catalyst Life Services’ 2025 Summer Youth Employment Program. Launched in partnership with Richland County Job and Family Services and the Richland County Youth and Family Council, the program has made a strong impact across the county-thanks to early preparation, community support, and eager participants.
This year, the program kicked off early, with youth applications opening in February. That early start proved effective, allowing for smoother processing and better preparation for both participants and local businesses. Catalyst received over 300 interest surveys from local youth, and 230 went on to complete full applications.
“We’re very pleased with how the program is going,” said Stephanie Jakubick, Assistant Director of Vocational Services at Catalyst Life Services. “Starting the process earlier gave our youth more time to complete work permits, attend orientations, and participate in the workshops. It set them up for success.”
Youth ages 14–15 make up 70% of participants—a group often overlooked in the workforce due to age restrictions. “Many of these youth have never had a job before, and this gives them a chance to learn what it means to show up, work hard, and be part of a team,” Jakubick added.
Before beginning their work placements, youth participated in required pre-employment workshops focused on soft skills and financial literacy—an important foundation for job readiness. These sessions covered workplace expectations such as professional behavior, time management, hygiene, appropriate dress, and accountability.
The financial literacy workshop included an interactive budgeting activity where participants navigated various real-life scenarios. They made decisions about spending, saving, and managing expenses with the goal of maintaining a balanced budget and avoiding debt.
The program has expanded to include over 62 diverse worksites across Richland County, providing youth with exposure to a wide range of industries and career environments. Current placements include roles in food service, healthcare, fitness and recreation, the arts, and grounds maintenance.
Youth are gaining hands-on experience at early childhood education centers, automotive repair shops, pet supply retailers, working farms, barbershops, resale and thrift stores, and local parks.
Youth participants are supported by job coaches who regularly check in, monitor their progress, and provide ongoing encouragement and resources to both participants and employers. Many businesses have expressed enthusiasm about their involvement in the program.
Madame B’s Beautiful Things is one of the many new worksites added to the program this year. The vintage and furniture resale store has welcomed youth participants who have been actively involved in cleaning, organizing, moving inventory, and staging furniture for display.
Owner Toni Beauford shared that the Summer Youth Program has been a great help to her business. She expressed appreciation for the Catalyst staff who make the program possible and noted how much the youth have learned and contributed throughout their time at the store.
Youth workers like Bryson Jarvis and Damier Roper have also shared positive experiences. Bryson stated, “It’s a very nice store,” and enjoys moving furniture and cleaning. Damier added that working at Mme B’s has given him insight into what it’s like to be a small business owner and how to build a business of his own.
At Rosi C Ranch, another new worksite this year, youth participants work closely with animals and take part in tasks like transplanting plants, harvesting produce, and prepping for farmers markets—all while learning responsibility, compassion, and the value of hard work.
“The ranch is a community and safe place for veterans, first responders, and people to find a new version of themselves while on their healing journey,” said owner Mari Colace. This summer, youth participants Andrea Ross and Desiray Magers have become part of that mission.
Andrea and Desiray have taken on a variety of morning responsibilities, including collecting eggs, grooming and feeding horses, and completing routine health checks. Mari shared how quickly the two formed a strong bond and said she loves sitting on the porch and listening to them giggle.
Both girls chose to work at the ranch because of their love for horses. They’ve learned that each animal has its own unique personality and have formed strong bonds with several of them. For both, caring for horses has been one of the most rewarding parts of the experience.
Their time at Rosi C Ranch has been more than just summer work. It has been an opportunity to learn new skills, form lasting connections, and be part of a healing community. Both girls plan to stay as volunteers after the program ends.
The Summer Youth Employment Program continues to make a meaningful impact in Richland County, thanks to the dedication of its youth participants, the generosity of local businesses, and the support of community stakeholders and agency partners. Without their collaboration and commitment, this program would not be possible.
Catalyst Life Services looks forward to building on this success and welcoming more partners to help empower the next generation of workers.
Local businesses interested in becoming worksite partners or seeking more information about the program and ongoing support are encouraged to contact Jessicca Berry, program supervisor, at berryj@catalystlifeservices.org or 419-774-2254.
