Looking to burn the mortgage

COSTA MESA ? Kathy Du Vernet hopes her organization can take a step most Southern California property owners can only fantasize about.

Du Vernet, who became executive director of Youth Employment Service of the Harbor Area in July 2005, wants the organization to pay off the mortgage on its East 19th Street facility by April 6.

“We feel it’s important to own the building outright,” Du Vernet said. “It lends us a sure footing in the community. What that tells people is that we’re here for the duration.”

Youth Employment Service is a nonprofit agency founded in 1970. It teaches job skills and helps young people between the ages of 14 and 22 gain what is often their first work experience, matching them with local employers.

Over the years, the organization has trained more than 42,000 young people in work skills and on-the-job etiquette, and it has connected more than 26,000 people with jobs.

“It’s a wonderful program,” Du Vernet said. “Lynne Graham, who was the previous executive director, really left us in good shape, so now my goal is to build on the work that she and the staff have already accomplished.”

The group hopes to raise $128,000 to pay off its mortgage, and leaders also plan to expand services this year to include classes in independent living skills and career exploration. Du Vernet announced the plans to a group of about 40 supporters Thursday.

The organization began the process of buying its 19th Street building in 1996 with seed money donated by Santa Ana residents Bill and Pat Podlich and a $100,000 grant of federal funds received through the city of Costa Mesa.

Du Vernet said she hopes people feel positive about Youth Employment Service because it provides young people with job skills.

Brian White, owner of the Galley Cafe in Newport Beach, feels so positive about the service that he’s used it to find employees to wash dishes and bus tables over the last six years.

White said workers who come to him through Youth Employment Service know how to conduct themselves on the job. One employee referred by the service, 15-year-old Spencer Mason, was so good with the customers that White promoted him to waiter.

“The neatest thing about it is his sense of pride,” White said of Spencer. “He has this sense that he needs to earn what he has.”

Spencer said he lives down the street from the employment service. After passing by on his bike regularly, one day he just went in.

He explained his work ethic this way: “I’d rather be making money than sitting at home watching television.”

Youth Employment Service will honor Bill and Pat Podlich at an April 6 celebration at its East 19th Street facility. For information, call (949) 642-8306 or visit www.yesburnthemortgage.com.dpt.24-yes-1-BPhotoInfoGN1OAICN20060224iv5ypkknKENT TREPTOW / DAILY PILOT(LA)Kathy Du Vernet, executive director of Youth Employment Service, speaks to guests at an open house and luncheon Thursday.