Area youth, families, community members and service organizations are invited to attend the Land of Lincoln Goodwill Industries 5th Annual Youth Summit on Thursday, June 25, at its headquarters located at 1220 Outer Park Drive in Springfield. The event will be held from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., and is free and open to the public, including a complimentary lunch for all attendees.
For the past six years, the Youth Summit has served as an important gathering that empowers youth by connecting them with educational resources, community organizations, mentors and employment opportunities. The event provides a welcoming environment where young people and their families can learn about programs and services designed to help them achieve their goals.
This year’s keynote speaker will be Candace Silas, executive director and CEO of Habitat for Humanity of Sangamon County, who will share an inspiring message with attendees about the power of community, perseverance and creating pathways to success.
“Our goal is to help young people envision their future and equip them with the resources they need to achieve it,” said Dr. Ikenna Martin, youth services director at Land of Lincoln Goodwill. “The Youth Summit brings together organizations and employers who are committed to helping youth discover their strengths, build confidence and take the next steps toward education and employment.”
Throughout the event, youth and families will have the opportunity to meet with representatives from numerous community resources across the Springfield area to learn more about programs and services that support education, mental wellness, career readiness, housing assistance and family stability.
Employers from the community will also be on hand to introduce young people to summer employment opportunities and discuss what employers look for in prospective candidates. In addition, members of the Land of Lincoln Goodwill human resources team will be available to assist youth with completing job applications and answering employment-related questions.
The Youth Services team, led by Martin and Dr. Faraji Martin, will be available throughout the event to answer questions from current participants and families interested in learning more about Goodwill’s Youth Services programs. These programs are offered at no cost to eligible youth and their families. They are designed to provide mentoring, academic support, life skills development, career exploration and other services that help young people thrive.
“Every young person deserves the opportunity to succeed,” said Faraji Martin. “This summit is about building connections, opening doors, and ensuring youth and families know they are supported by a community that believes in them.”
