Summer Jobs Program proves rewarding for AHS student

With one year of high school left, Serenity Justice initially planned to move to Indiana, but wanted to save a little money first. She went to her school counselor, Joe Casey, who directed her to the Summer Jobs Program, an initiative of the nonprofit American Jobs for America’s Youth Montana (AJAY MT). 

“They asked what I’m into, my hobbies, what I’m good at. So we go through all that and they helped me find the perfect job that they thought would fit me. It ended up being the hostel [Pintler’s Portal Hostel]. So, I started there,” Justice said. “It was a few blocks away from my house, which was nice. It just went really well, I really enjoyed it, it wasn’t too hard. It was the perfect first job. It was a good experience.” 

She still fully intends to move to Indiana in September. She will move in with a family member, finish school, and get a job in the culinary arts, or as a tattoo artist. “I used to only have one option when I came in, which was culinary,” she said.

Proper placement and options are a few of the very important aspects of the youth career planning program. Ruth Moen and Kathleen Tarkalson with Discover Anaconda are responsible for implementing and carrying the Summer Jobs Program forward in collaboration with AJAY MT and other supporting entities.

“We partner with the Anaconda High School. Joe Casey found Serenity and he’s the one who introduced her to the program,” Moen said. 

It didn’t take long to find the right fit for Serenity at Pintler’s Portal.

“She came in and she filled a need for them. I believe they filled a need for her, because, what I tell people is that this lady, this confident out-going person, is not the same shy young lady that came in … this is just beautiful. When you get to instill confidence and identity, she’s marketable. She knows she has these skills people need, plus her beautiful personality and smile,” Moen said.

How does Justice feel hearing these complimentary accolades?

“It’s interesting, ‘cause I usually don’t think that about myself, and then I hear people being like ‘you’re really easy to talk to or you’re a really nice person’ and I’m like, ‘thank you, I don’t usually think that about myself,’” she chuckled.

Kathleen Tarkalson is the newest addition to the Discover Anaconda team, having moved to the Smelter City from Missoula in April to become the organization’s director. She shared her thoughts.

“I just think it’s a great program overall. I think we’re fortunate to be a part of it and I’m looking forward to making it even better and more available to students next year because it really is a great opportunity for kids to learn those initial skills that really transfer anywhere you go … all of those basic life skills,” Tarkalson said.

American Jobs for America’s Youth Montana is based out of Helena, however they lead the Summer Jobs Program in Bozeman, Helena, Kalispell, Billings, and more. There is even a part of the program where students can get directly involved with participating colleges and earn free credit or certification before they’ve even finished high school.

“They provide a mentor as well. So you get your supervisor on the job, but also a mentor you meet with throughout the summer. Then there’s some online training that they receive in addition to the work training, so it’s building the skills,” Moen said.

So, how did owner Steve Hill feel bringing Justice on board at the hostel? 

“Awesome. It was terrific,” Hill said.

He then directed his attention to Justice. 

“I didn’t know if you were ever gonna talk to me the first day, then all of a sudden I couldn’t get you to shut up,” he said. Everyone laughed. “And that’s okay. The guests appreciate her, too, very much. We’ve had a lot of comments about Serenity.” 

“Guests would come in and they’d be like ‘this place is really clean. It’s changing my point of view on hostels.’ And I was like, ‘I’m happy to be a part of this ‘cause they [the hostel] get a lot of positive feedback.’ There’s a lot of people who have changed their minds about how hostels can be ‘cause they’re known to be pretty dirty or not that great and then this place completely changes that view and it’s a really good place. I’m really happy I was able to work there,” she said.

The opportunities and experience provided by the Summer Jobs Program and participants undeniably left a lasting impression on Justice. 

For more information on American Jobs for America’s Youth, visit www.americanjobs4youth.org.