Chelsey was falling behind in high school when she saw a YouthBuild poster at her credit recovery school. The chance to earn her diploma while learning a trade appealed to her, especially because she enjoyed working with her hands.

At YouthBuild Lake County, she earned her high school diploma and four industry-recognized credentials. Staff helped her grow more comfortable talking with people and building professional connections.

“YouthBuild really helped me build connections and taught me the importance of networking. I used to have a hard time talking to people but the staff helped me get comfortable with myself and with having conversations.”

Chelsey

Combining cooking and community service

Chelsey completed a culinary pathway program at Roberti Community House. After gaining experience in kitchens, she started Chelsey’s Kitchen, selling meals in the community.

That business helped her connect with two friends who shared her commitment to service. Together, they founded L.O.V.E. (Loving Our Vecinos Everywhere), an organization providing assistance to people experiencing homelessness and addressing pollution in the Chicago area.

Their work included school supply drives, community cleanups, and the distribution of more than 500 meals and hygiene bags. Chelsey used profits from her food business to help support the organization and received the Waukegan Proud Award for her volunteer service.

As the organization grew, Chelsey hoped to offer service opportunities to YouthBuild participants. Giving back had become a central part of both her work and her plans for the future.

“YouthBuild was the first choice I made on my own, and since then I’ve never looked back on making choices for myself.”

Chelsey