In April, three ESD 112 employees were recognized with a commendation and coin on behalf of the Washington State Department of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF) for providing exemplary support to programs improving the lives of incarcerated youth through the MyJOB (“My Journey Out Beyond”) Juvenile Rehabilitation Program.
About MyJOB
The MyJOB program provides pre-employment training and internships to incarcerated youth ages 14–25 residing in a network of juvenile rehabilitation facilities throughout Southwest Washington. The program aims to build essential life skills and create meaningful connections to future employment opportunities, helping youth successfully transition back into their communities.
Deanna Conwell, Christine Katon and Micah Segura-Mitchell, who serve in various capacities within the MyJOB program, were recognized for their dedication to creating pathways to success for young people in juvenile rehabilitation. This honor highlights the transformative impact of their work, providing career readiness training, employment opportunities, and mentorship to youth navigating challenging circumstances.
“Micah and Deanna are creating safe, welcoming, and professional environments for the youth to thrive in the MyJOB Program,” says Christine Katon, Youth Workforce Program Manager. “I had the privilege of attending the MyJOB graduations at both Green Hill and Echo Glen, and at both events, youth shared work readiness skills they gained and what they learned about themselves. The growth in their self-confidence and ability to convey the skills they have to offer the world and workforce is empowering. The reality is that individuals with felony records will have a harder path to employment, so we need to do as much as possible to prepare them for the workforce and overcome barriers.”
When asked how the MyJOB program helps to change the trajectory for incarcerated youth, Micah Segura-Mitchell, who serves as a Youth Workforce Specialist at Green Hill School said, “Showing youth a variety of career paths and seeing their eyes light up when they learn about jobs they had never heard of before was something that brought me joy. I think a big part of breaking the incarceration cycle is providing opportunity and helping people envision their future selves.”
Reflecting on the recognition, Youth Workforce Coordinator Deanna Conwell shared:
“I am humbled. The work that I am blessed to be able do, I try to always approach with passion. This is such a worthy program to serve through, because I see young people discover strengths they never knew they had, rebuild their sense of self-worth, and begin to see futures filled with possibility.”
2024-25 Program Highlights
In the spring, there were 23 graduates from a job readiness program at Echo Glen Children’s Center and Green Hill School.
In the last year, 30 youth from these campuses participated in paid internships, working as:
- Teacher assistants
- Automotive shop technicians
- Campus magazine writers and editors
- Laundry services staff
- Dog trainers
- Cafeteria workers
- Library assistants
- Music creators
- Baristas
- Construction services workers
Harbor Heights Expansion
DCYF’s newest program at Harbor Heights will incorporate an innovative and collaborative approach to juvenile rehabilitation, with the MyJOB Program as a core curriculum component. While details are still being finalized, each youth will receive 130-200 hours of MyJOB instruction during their stay, focused on career exploration, work readiness, self-advocacy skills, financial literacy, soft skill development, and leadership training. Student voice and input will help guide the program design and focus topics.
The exceptional work of these individuals embodies ESD 112’s commitment to making education accessible and equitable for all, ensuring learning opportunities and access to postsecondary pathways reach every young person. Their dedication ensures that incarcerated youth receive the same opportunities to develop skills, explore career paths, and build confidence as their peers. As the program continues to grow, these professionals remain at the heart of its success.
More About the MyJOB Partnership
The MyJOB Program provides services to incarcerated youth ages 14–25 residing in:
- Green Hill School
- Echo Glen Children’s Center
- Woodinville Community Facility
- Touchstone Community Facility
- Oakridge Community Facility
These services were developed in partnership with the Washington State Department of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF) and ESD 112, creating a comprehensive approach to juvenile rehabilitation through career development and life skills training.
