Jadon
Jadon Small was referred to the Workforce Development Group of St. Clair County Intergovernmental Grants Department by our partnering group, Community Services Block Grant. He was a Senior in high school and would sleep on the couch of whomever would allow him to stay a night or two. Jadon was enrolled in the WIOA Youth Program and under Paid Work Experience went to work at Soulcial Kitchen in Swansea. Through incentives, such as gas cards to help cover the cost of transportation, Jadon was able to demonstrate his work ethic and culinary skills. Despite the adversity Jadon was facing, his amazing character shined through and Soulcial Kitchen added Jadon as a full-time staff member after Jadon’s graduation in May. Jadon, who recently turned 18, is now participating through the On-the-Job Training program, in Soulcial Kitchen’s Food Truck Operator apprenticeship and operates a food truck.
John Michel of Soulcial Kitchen said, “Jadon is a blessing to have on our team which enables this business to bless others.”