By Mark Ambrogi
The Indiana Youth Institute wants to do its part to keep those who work with youth passionate about their jobs.
As part of that mission, IYI North Central Outreach Manager Michele Wiseley said her organization sponsors Youth Workers Cafés.
“It’s a free lunch and learn,” Wiseley said. “Our partners felt with the school year wrapping up it would be good to have a youth worker renewal topic. A lot of times those of us who work with youth don’t take time to take care of ourselves. Skye (Berger) is going to come in and speak on that topic and keep ourselves fresh so we can make ourselves fresh for the kiddos that we serve.”
The forum will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. May 6 in the conference room at Chaucie’s Place, 4607 East 106th St., Carmel. Berger will represent The Journey, a variety of programs that support the renewal and professionalism of youth workers in Indiana and around the country.
“I’m part of The Journey as a renewal guide,” Berger said. “I specialize in the renewal of youth workers from my company, Door Opener Academy. I’ll be using different tools to help the youth workers realize how important they are to the field of youth work. We’ll come out with a personalized plan for their own renewal.”
Wiseley said an important part of the Youth Worker Cafés is bringing the youth workers together to network on a regular basis.
“They can share their resources and collaborate,” Wiseley said. “Many of them have a similar mission to benefit the children.”
Wiseley said this is first time in two years IYI has been active in Hamilton Co.
“Our partners had lapsed and we had some turnover,” Wiseley said. “We are just getting it rejuvenated in Hamilton County.”
Although the Youth Worker Café forum is free, reservations are required. To register, visit iyi.org/ywc.
