The Youth Villages Job Prep program equips LifeSet young adults with essential tools for employment and independence. Volunteer job coaches are at the heart of this effort, offering their time, experience and encouragement week after week.

John Oberlander, a longtime Job Prep coach, returns each year to share his expertise with Job Prep participants. He is continually motivated by his strong belief in the Youth Villages mission – helping children and families live successfully. He sees firsthand how the program gives young adults invaluable skills they carry with them throughout life.

What stands out most to him is the program’s ability to evolve and improve through feedback and collaboration. That growth leads to better outcomes for participants each year, making the experience even more rewarding.

You’ve been a Job Prep coach for nine years now—what keeps you coming back?

I really believe in what Youth Villages does. The skills and tools the Job Prep program provides young adults are invaluable. One of the main reasons I keep coming back is the program’s ability to adapt and improve each year based on feedback from coaches. It truly gets better over time and that’s exciting because it means young adults benefit more with each passing year.

How has being a coach impacted you personally or professionally?

I think being a coach has made me do a lot of self-reflection both personally and professionally. I had an unbelievable support system in my family as I was graduating college, especially with my mom. Without that support, I am 100% confident I wouldn’t be where I am today. Realizing some young adults don’t have access to that kind of guidance or support system reinforces the importance of what Youth Villages and the Job Prep program does. I’m grateful to be part of that.

What would you say to someone who’s on the fence about signing up to volunteer as a Job Coach?

Just take the plunge and do it! If someone is contemplating signing up, their heart is already in the right place, and I’d guess it’s either nerves or fear of the unknown preventing them from committing. We have a great blend of coaches that range from one to 10-plus years of experience who are always happy to help any coaches along the way, not to mention the Youth Villages staff are always willing to provide support.

How do you build trust and connection with your participants in just a couple of hours each week?

Trust is very important with young adults, and each year is so different. I think the key is not to force the connection immediately and to be open and honest. I always tell my young adult the first week, “I’m here because I want to be, not because I have to be and my goal is to help you in any way possible.” The one common thread over the years is that young adults are very shy and reserved for the first or second session but once you find a common interest, whether it’s sports, art or hobbies, they start to open up.  By the second half of Job Prep, you really start to see the young adults show their full personality, and it’s amazing to watch and be a part of it.

What’s your favorite part of the weekly sessions?

I really enjoy the one-on-one time at the end of the session after the presentation of the week has concluded. Being able to apply the topic of the day to the youth’s specific situation is so important and when a concept or a specific idea finally clicks in their mind, and you see that spark of excitement in them, it’s powerful.

Why do you think the Job Prep program is important for the youth we serve?

I believe the Job Prep program is critical for young adults because the program teaches the building blocks every individual needs as they begin their journey as adults. What’s so great about the program is you get to see the young adults progress each week. When you see an individual come in one week and say they got the job you were just prepping them for the week prior, you know the program is working. Being able to learn interviewing skills, resume writing, networking and job maintenance are tools that will apply not just for their first jobs but for the rest of their lives. The Job Prep program provides these building blocks for their future success, and that’s something I am extremely proud to be part of.

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