(Kentucky) Sunrise Children’s Services runs a program called VentureON – A path of life for young adults aging out of state care. Sunrise’s VentureON program is the only program of its kind in Kentucky that provides the widest and most comprehensive services and programs to ensure success, bringing private businesses and industry, faith-based organizations, and the Commonwealth together to create an environment of power and success for some of the most forgotten youth in the state. The program effectively escorts these young people into a meaningful and productive adulthood with a solid foundation. Planning and preparing for independent living, providing connections to safe and stable adults, learning life skills, access to college or technical school, and creating opportunities to develop advocacy skills are all essential for the young adult to create a new path of life. It is a vibrant continuum of care for kids who have experienced abuse or neglect and now deserve the guidance and support VentureON provides.
Each youth not enrolled in technical school or college seeks meaningful employment or they may choose to work and go to school if they feel they want to attempt this balance under staff support. The team works with the employer to help ensure the youth’s success. Corporate partnerships have already been formed with companies such as Kroger, Texas Roadhouse and other entities. From pre-employment workshops and business mentors to on-the-job training and coaching, each employer is dedicated to ensuring the success of the young adults in this program. These partnerships will enable participants to gain essential workforce skills, which include interview skills, resume writing, and work etiquette.
“Sunrise is both humbled and thrilled to be named the 2018 AOI Employment Award winner. To be recognized by this innovative national organization dedicated to bringing organizations together to share ideas around better equipping young people for they future for which they dream and to be reviewed in the company of so many great organizations is a shower of blessings in itself but to win, Sunrise VentureON could not be more thrilled as we give God all the glory. The VentureON concept begin as a discussion and grew into the creative, expansive program it is today in such a short time by God’s grace, magnificent partner support, and individuals/foundations willing to make an investment in the lives of young adults who deserve the opportunity to succeed. This award honors all of the hard work, the countless hours, and the servant hearts of those within the program and the young adults we serve.”
-Kenny Williams, Vice President of Community Based Services