Nonprofit group to hold open house

Greg Risling

COSTA MESA -- Prominent members of the business and civic communities

will attend an open house today for a nonprofit organization that helps

young men and women find jobs.

The introduction and tour of Newport-Mesa’s Youth Employment Service is a

prelude to the agency’s annual Roman Feast fund-raiser next March, when

about 20% of its operating funds are generated.

The one-hour event will be a learning experience for those invited. The

list of guests includes representatives from Hoag Hospital, the

Segerstrom family and local high schools.

Youth Employment Service helps teach youths ages 14 to 22 the necessary

skills to acquire a job. Not only do they learn how to write a resume and

do well in an interview, they also are linked up with job referrals.

More than 500 youths were hired in 1999 because of the organization’s

efforts. In its 29-year existence, the agency has provided nearly 25,000

jobs for youths.

“We are giving them the tools to make something out of their lives,” said

Lynne Graham, agency executive director. “By having an open house like

this, donors can see firsthand how these kids are making a difference.”