Shirley Shiue: When Perseverance and Preparedness Bear Fruit
by Urban Upbound’s staff members
At the beginning of 2020, Shirley Shiue received the news that she was accepted to an Administrative & Healthcare Professional Training Program at the Grace Institute. Having always desired a career in administration, Shirley was very excited to start the program a couple of months later, in April. Assisted by an Urban Upbound youth development counselor, she had prepared for this opportunity for months. Unfortunately, the training program was put on hold when the pandemic started.
Shirley initially joined the Urban Upbound Youth Development Program in January 2019. Soon after, she became an intern with us and started assisting with clerical duties. During the summer, Shirley worked with an Urban Upbound employment counselor on various job readiness exercises designed to help youth develop soft skills. Feeling more confident, Shirley began receiving referrals to career development opportunities from our partners. In February 2020, Urban Upbound and the Grace Institute co-organized a tour for clients to observe first-hand the work and study environment at the Institute. Shirley was one of the youths that participated in the tour. Her time preparing with Urban Upbound helped her ace the interview and aptitude test required to participate in the training program.
When the program went on pause much like the rest of the City, Shirley was understandably disappointed but hopeful that she would hear positive news. Then, on April 21st, Shirley received a message from the Grace Institute letting her know that she could either start the program virtually as soon as she liked or wait for in-person training in the fall. She chose the virtual option and successfully completed the program in December.
During the pandemic, Urban Upbound’s services have continued to help families who need a hand up. From employment and financial counseling to food relief and direct financial assistance, your donation makes it possible for us to keep reaching more households. If you’d like to learn more about our impact and work, please follow us on social media (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Youtube) or subscribe to our newsletter.
