Capital Region Cares Capital Region Cares 2018-2019 | Page 90

juma
ventures
“As a community bank, we support JUMA’s belief in the
critical importance of financial literacy. Combined with
job skills, these at-risk youth retain more of what they
earn, and look forward to brighter futures.”
— Erica Dias, VP Marketing & Community
Engagement, American River Bank
Helping young adults earn, learn and connect
” W
e believe in the power of work and
the potential of young people,”
says Stephen Norris, Sacramento
Director of Development for Juma
Ventures. “Unfortunately, too many
young adults want to work, but lack the
education, skills, and confidence to get
and keep a job. Unless someone gives
them a chance, they’ll remain trapped in
a cycle of poverty.”
Juma is a nonprofit social enterprise
that operates businesses with the
purpose of employing young people.
“We ensure young people earn their
first paycheck, learn to manage
their money, and gain skills like
responsibility, teamwork, and workplace
communication,” continues Norris.
Partnering with community-based
organizations, Juma employs low-
income youth, age 18 through 24, who
are disconnected from school and work.
Founded in 1993, Juma has served 7,200
young people nationwide, and 250 in
90
CAPITAL REGION CARES 2018 | comstocksmag.com
the Sacramento area since arriving in
2016 with the opening of the Golden 1
Center.
Juma has since expanded into Papa
Murphy’s Park, Toyota Amphitheater,
and Raley Field. “We aim to serve 110
youth annually by 2022 and are actively
looking for more employment partners
to provide those additional employment
opportunities,” explains Norris.
Juma’s ultimate goal is to get the
participants job ready and connect them
to their next education and employment
pathway. Juma connects 82 percent of
their youth to permanent employment
or post-secondary education, 92
percent of whom stay retained at their
new job 90 days post Juma, an industry
marker for success. “In addition to
building career paths, Juma provides
young people financial capability
coaching and classes, offering financial
mentors and professional development
and budgeting workshops,” notes Norris.
JUMA.ORG
By building tomorrow’s workforce,
Juma enables employers to hire strong
talent, increase employee retention,
enrich the workplace, and strengthen
the community. Juma welcomes new
business partners to help offer young
people the opportunity to succeed,
advance, and thrive.
Photos: (Left) Shirley is all smiles on her first shift
at the Golden 1 Center for the Kings 2018 Home
Opener! (Right) Christen is providing Kings fans
with delicious food and great customer service.
Juma is essential to reconnecting young people like
Christen back into the workforce and ultimately
setting them on a pathway to a career.
profile generously sponsored by