JCTC career support program helping at-risk Louisville teens, young adults find success

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- City leaders invested $1.85 million into career support programs for at-risk kids.

Inside Jefferson Community and Technical College, there's a group of people helping young adults succeed.

Those kids are facing obstacles like homelessness, substance abuse and community violence, but the people at The Spot are keeping them off the streets and helping them get jobs.

Breona Payne works as a Peer Support Specialist at The Spot.

The Spot helps people ages 16 to 24 across Jefferson County who might be facing some obstacles.

Payne also goes into JCPS schools to help them build their resume, teach them how to fill out a job application, something just a few years ago, the 25-year-old didn't have access to either.

"Growing up, I didn't really have a car, so I was able to do the Cars to Work Program," Payne, who's a peer support specialist, said. "It was hard for me to find a professional job, like I could easily get a McDonald's or Taco Bell job, but that's not enough money. That's not enough money to pay all my bills, you know and just to live happy."

The Social Science Research Council said, nationwide, about 12% of people 16 to 24 are what's known as "disconnected youth" which means they aren't going to school or working.

In northwest and southwest Jefferson county, that number is more than 18%.

"We can show them a whole way of living, how you can make money, how to survive, and you don't have to live like that. Like, you don't have to be a part of 'the cycle,'" Payne said.

Payne also went through the program and now sits in the audience as another 250 people graduate from the Young Adult Opportunity Center have graduated.

"Keep pushing," Payne said. "Keep going. Just because you graduate, walking the stage, your journey isn't over. There's way more to accomplish in life, and keep growing you know? You've already made it this far, why stop?"

For more information about The Spot, click here to contact them. There are also other locations in Bullitt County and Henry County.

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