Catholic Charities of Los Angeles, Inc.

A Quarterly Newsletter from Catholic Charities - August 2002

Tiffanie Succeeds with Youth Employment Services

Tiffanie is on her way to owning her own computer company, after her involvement in an AYE program.

When Tiffanie came to Archdiocesan Youth Employment Services (AYE), a program of Catholic Charities, she was only expecting to get a job. She did not envision the ripples of change felt in her life as a result of her participation in the program.

After dropping out of high school in her junior year, Tiffanie was seeking a way to earn her diploma. Through the Archdiocese, Tiffanie enrolled in a program enabling her to receive her GED. It is an achievement she hangs proudly next to the AYE Exemplary Alumni award. "I want to have my own computer company in the future, and also my own hair salon," Tiffanie explains. “After (a certification) course I’m going to Santa Monica Community College and I want to double major in Computer Science and Mathematics. I’m going to do everything that I need to do, to have my own computer company.” Later she plans on transferring to a four-year university. It is difficult to imagine that this steadfast and committed young woman is the same teenager that detested attending school a few years ago.

Looking back at her involvement with AYE, Tiffanie reflects, “It’s helped me become more responsible and know which road to take as far as my career. It let me know…that I can achieve my goals.” She explains how the program has enabled her to become a self-reliant and independent individual. “My life changed, now I’m starting to look for a place to live by myself and I’m starting to save money to get my own car.”

It is easy to envision numerous achievements coming Tiffanie’s way in the future—among them, a university diploma hanging in the office of her computer company. For locations and to learn more about AYE, please call 213-736-5456 or visit www.CatholicCharitiesLA.org.