Violet’s Story: The Power of Support and Self-Discovery

For two years, Violet kept applying for jobs and never hear back from a single application.

“Every place I applied to would either ghost me or I would get rejected,” Violet shared.

It wasn’t for lack of trying. But over time, each rejection started to feel heavier than the last. The kind of discouragement that builds when nothing seems to open up.

At a time when nothing seemed to be working, a friend told her about YOUCAN. Violet decided to take a chance and apply.

Like many youth who come through the program, she expected to learn how to build a resume and prepare for interviews. And she did. But what stayed with her most wasn’t just the skills she gained, but the opportunity to discover something about herself she didn’t know was there.

When asked what stood out most from her experience, she didn’t hesitate.

“I realized that I was a leader,” she said. “I learned how well I can lead people and help them out.”

During a volunteer placement at the food bank, another youth wasn’t sure what to do. Without hesitation, Violet stepped in. She walked them through the task, broke it down, and helped them figure it out. In that moment, she wasn’t just helping. She was leading.

She realized that sometimes growth doesn’t look like becoming someone new, it’s recognizing who you’ve been all along.

Looking back on her journey, Violet was honest about how much easier it would have been to not show up. But she persisted in coming to class, even on the days it felt easier not to. With the support around her, that consistency started to create real growth.

Her partner encouraged her every day. Her peers created a space that felt positive and welcoming. And her coaches helped her build skills she hadn’t learned before, from professionalism to conflict resolution to navigating the workplace. She found herself surrounded by people who believed in her, and that made all the difference.

Violet knows what it feels like to be stuck in that in-between space, where you’re trying, but not quite getting where you want to go yet.

When she reflects on what she’d share with other youth who feel stuck, her message is simple:

“Keep on trying. Don’t give up. Strive for that job you really enjoy. And when it gets hard, lean on those who support you. Never be afraid to ask for help, they could be the help you never knew you needed."

Out of 160 applicants, only a handful were able to step into this opportunity, a reminder that the need is far greater than the space available.

There are more youth out there still waiting for that same chance. And with the right support, more stories like Violet’s are possible.