The Local LEGEND (lead, explore, grow, elevate, network and develop) Program, hosted by Sisters Build Network for Girls Inc. and the Man Up Mentoring program, was hard at work this summer.
Thirty-four students, four mentors and weekly volunteers were able to co-create an opportunity for students to learn employability skills by diving into the workforce.
This opportunity was f inancially supported by CareerSource Flagler Volusia.
“Truly an enriching program for our youth as they prepare their journey into the working world,” said Joe Hearn of Joe Hearn Events.
PARTNERS IN PROGRESS — Janelle Zipse, left, owner of Pinup Parlor in Downtown DeLand,
greets Dr. Primrose Cameron, center, and Marlo Jones, who participated in the Local LEGEND
Program this summer. Zipse offered her store as one of the places where students could get
work experience in the LEGEND Program. Cameron’s organization, Sisters Build, was one of
the sponsoring organizations that made the program happen.
With unwavering dedication to student growth and development, 14 businesses participated in the program with open arms.
During the month of June, students ages 14-18 learned an array of life and employability skills at these businesses, ranging from arriving on time, taking inventory, and feeding those in need, to speaking to customers, and creating a safe and sanitary workspace, just to name a few. The students earned a stipend as well.
“Joining the Local LEGENDS group and working with Dr. Primrose Cameron taught me that it’s a large responsibility to be at work, because my employer depends on me to be there. I learned that there are many things I can learn from other kids my age, and get feedback on how to grow student as a leader to others,” said student Adaisha Christie.
Students ages 12-13 took part in a modified program that did not include a workplace, but included online learning around fitness and finances provided by Sarah McAllister of New York Life/Eagle Strategies, LLC.
Countless volunteers dove right in to ensure that the students learned about the many facets of employment.
These students will remain in the mentoring programs for the 2021-22 school year. Stipends are not provided throughout the year, but the learning they’ve done and will continue to do is priceless.
If you are interested in your son/daughter participating in the mentoring program, email to sistersbuild@primrosecameron.com.
Business partners
• The Create Space
• Kinks, Coils and Waves
• Mitzi’s First
Impressions
• Kneading Sweets Bakery
• Pretty Little Things
• Pinup Parlor
• DeLand Bakery & Natural Market
• New Hope Church in Deltona
• Klassy Kouture Fashions
• Rising Against All Odds
• Ms Preppy Pants
• Hampton Inn in DeLand
• Midtown Laundry in Daytona Beach
• Joe Hearn Events
Volunteers and speakers for the Local LEGEND Program:
Asacia Manning- McElvin, a Sisters Build mentor
Sean King, Man Up Mentoring founder
The Rev. Kevin Caine of St. Paul Community Baptist Church in DeLand
Dr. Craig Scott
Bob Davis of the Lodging and Hospitality Association of Volusia County
Nazrine Navetia
Dr. Delicia Haynes
Jessica Morales
Evan Keller of Creating Jobs Inc.
Manny De La Vega of De La Vega restaurant
Kevin Reid, a DeLand city commissioner
Carmen Ruiz of FASTSIGNS
