Rayna Bracamonte wanted more for her two sons than the struggles she had as a young adult. Together, her sons David Bracamonte, 17, and brother Raymond, 15, were part of the Crosswalk of North Idaho Work Ready Program this summer. David was very eager to work, but didn't know how to get started. However, his brother, Raymond, 15, a little more on the shy side, was simply there to tag along. The experience they gained in this program has led to complete changes in their lives and new direction for their futures.

It is common practice for parents to send their kids into the "big adult world" to get a job when they reach 15 or 16 years old. For some families it is a financial necessity and for others it is an attempt to give the youth an idea of what the real world is all about. This can be a scary place for young adults who may have poor communication skills, lacking confidence from difficulty in school, or is shy and struggling to fit in.

Work Ready is a Crosswalk of North Idaho program through Volunteers of America Eastern Washington and North Idaho. Youth are given the opportunity to experience a positive work environment with supportive mentors. "We are building a bridge that walks them across to becoming a successful employee in a productive workforce," said Punit Dave, employment advocate and community liaison for the program.

Supported through grants from United Way of Kootenai County, Inland Northwest Community Foundation and the Paul G. Allen Family Foundation, a food truck was purchased and maintained by Work Ready participants this past year. The Bracamonte brothers were given the opportunity to work in agriculture, growing and harvesting food that would be used to produce a sustainable catering business called The Farmer's Grill. They received CPR/First Aid Training and Food Handlers Certificates.

The Bracamonte brothers worked all the catering events this summer, including the Grant Awards Ceremony for United Way of Kootenai County. The money they earned helped them pay for braces, their driver's license tests and fix a car for them to use. Both are in the internship phase of the program: David with the bakery Pastry and More and Raymond at Super 1 Foods.

"Both young men gained a tremendous amount of confidence," shares Brandi Smitherman, Crosswalk of North Idaho Program Director. "At first, they lacked direction and didn't grasp why life skills were important and that certain things mattered. They come from a close knit family. Mom and Dad wanted to ensure their children could do things differently than they had. David and Raymond now realize life is filled with opportunity, rather than settling into a job that is not rewarding. They feel they have to do."

The Work Ready training program is a six-month program with two months of internship and assistance in job placement. There is instruction in the basic skills of communication, appropriate hygiene and how to dress for a job. Good financial practices are encouraged, and through corporate partners such as bankcda and STCU, participants undergo financial training. Teens open a bank account of their own and learn how to manage their own money. "With students that come from a family life in turmoil, this financial freedom is a solution to leaving a toxic situation behind," Dave said.

"The program sparks a passion in the kids to tryout different careers and industries," said Smitherman. "Participants are matched with businesses in the community that will foster this spark and continue to inspire the youth through internship and eventually a career."

Crosswalk of North Idaho, a program of Volunteers of America, will host its Annual Blues Concert Benefit for the kids of North Idaho, Friday Oct. 24 from 7-10 p.m. The event will be held at Elk Point Estates in Coeur d'Alene with music by Roberson, BZ and Flores & Blues Edition. Tickets are $10.

Volunteer Opportunities:

The 4th Annual FREE community Thanksgiving Dinner will be held on Thursday, Nov. 27. Last year, in cooperation with community organizations, more than 1,300 people were fed from our area for free. This year the planning committee is working hard preparing for an estimated 1,500 of our friends and neighbors who have been hit hardest by these trying economic times.

n Volunteers are needed to greet, hostess, bus tables, prep and serve food, and cleanup. Providing a nice Thanksgiving meal with amazing volunteers may help relieve pressure from families struggling to give their families a memorable Thanksgiving. It can also provide a sense of comfort for those who are spending the holiday alone.

For more information on how to register for this volunteer opportunities, visit www.kootenaiunitedway.org, click on the "VOLUNTEER" link to view this listing and other volunteer opportunities in YOUR community, or contact Jeanette Laster at United Way of Kootenai County, (208) 667-8112 , Ext. 101.

The United Way of Kootenai County Volunteer Center

GET CONNECTED!

* "One-Stop Volunteer Resource Center" for the whole community

* Ongoing and one-time volunteer opportunities

* TAKE ACTION - call 208.667.8112 or visit the

United Way's Volunteer Center website at www.kootenaiunitedway.org

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