06/23/2026
Thank you to Amanda Van Buren with Jobs for Ohio's Graduates for speaking this morning at Sunrise Sessions, hosted at the Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank.
Amanda shared her journey from being a participant in JOG to now serving as a Workforce Development Specialist, helping young people overcome barriers and pursue their educational and career goals.
We also learned more about JOG's mission to prepare Ohio's young people for success in school, work, and life by equipping them with the skills, knowledge, and confidence needed to achieve their goals.
One of the key takeaways from the morning was the importance of a trauma-informed approach. Amanda explained how past experiences can shape how young people think, learn, communicate, and respond to challenges. By looking beyond behaviors and seeking to understand the story behind them, JOG creates opportunities for young people to be supported, empowered, and successful.