The summer of 2023 marks the 7th year of WorkWell, a GOD Int’l program that serves youth by facilitating their first summer job experience.
Not just any job; Workwell provides elements of mentorship, a customized experience based on interests and desires, and continued professional development. The program began in 2017 with 20 participants, and this summer will serve 86 developing professionals.
Partnerships over the course of the last 7 years include MDHA (Metro Development and Housing Agency) , MAC (Metro Action Commission), POWER (Providing Opportunities for Wealth-Building and Economic Resilience), and STARS Nashville. In 2018, GOD Int’l began Workwell, offering 4 areas of employment: Neighborhood Enhancement, Community Gardening, Sports Camps for kids, and Community Theater. Options have since expanded to 17 different types of jobs to choose from!
Now, WorkWell has under its umbrella 3 different subprograms: youth experience job training for ages 14-15, a high school internship for ages 16-18 that develops unique career interest employment, and the Peer Leader Program for 20-24 college students learning to manage a team of employees and have leadership in the workplace.
Through Workwell, we have 30 interns, 51 experienced youth workers, and five Peer Leaders, making for 86 summer participants. Our facilitators include Program Director Rachel Hartnell, Workwell Youth Experience Manager Brianne Aaseby, and Ryan McAllister as WorkWell High School Intern Manager.
WorkWell seeks to empower youth, especially focusing on youth that would not otherwise get such an opportunity.
G.O.D. Int’l is a faith-based organization, and as such, scripture provides a foundation for all of our programming. When considering how this program exemplifies biblical principles, Rachel Hartnell, Program Director, reflected on Matthew 20, the parable of the laborers. The text describes the way in although some laborers arrived early and others were contracted late, all received a fair wage. Though some are subject to life circumstances that would otherwise make it difficult to achieve success in the workplace, with God, we can empower all laborers to meet expectations to be successful. Workwell empowers youth from any circumstance to develop into capable adults. Not only does the program provide them opportunity, it cultivates their gifts and teaches them how using one's gifts in a team effort can serve and bless their community.
A highlight of this year is the expansion of our high school intern program Participants by 40%
For students in their senior year, we offer unique opportunities based on career interests. This includes on-the-job opportunities in their area of interest, as well as interviews with professionals in that field. There are 17 varied job opportunities that all respond to the interests of our 30 participants. They will receive weekly individual job evaluations, set goals with their mentors, and receive feedback on their work. Program participants express that these times of one-on-one mentorship are their favorite aspect of the program, because they feel individually seen and considered. These times boost confidence, and tangibly increase week-to-week improvement in job performance. Participants learn to embrace guidance and constructive criticism, rather than fear or be defeated by it.
We are thankful to the MDHA, MAC, POWER Youth Summer Employment Initiative and STARS Nashville for the ongoing support and collaboration from these programs. Additionally, donors from the 2022 G.O.D. Int’l Holiday Campaign gave in support of our peer leader program. We are so thankful to all of our funders, donors and those who demonstrate consistent care for the developing youth in Nashville. Nurturing their growth and professionalism is a privilege we do not take lightly!
If you are interested in supporting Workwell and the work we do to serve the Nashville community, you can do so below.