Mather’s Employment Initiative Receives Matching Support From the City of Evanston To Create Youth and Young Adult Career Opportunities

February 21, 2023

EVANSTON, IL—Mather, an 82-year-old not-for-profit organization dedicated to creating Ways to Age Well, together with the City of Evanston, are creating opportunities for youth and young adult Evanston residents through eMerge, a unique workforce development program by Mather that includes internship, fellowship and scholarship opportunities. On February 13, 2023, the City of Evanston approved $58,100—matching support to Mather’s $58,100 investment—for the eMerge program in 2023.

Through eMerge, Mather has been involved with community partnerships including the Mayor’s Employer Advisory Council, Youth Job Center, Evanston Township High School, Oakton College, YWCA, Mayor’s Summer Youth Employment Program, iKit and District 65. Candidates for eMerge are sourced directly via community partners. Mather will continue to collaborate with these partners to create opportunities for Evanston youth and young adults that could ultimately lead to full- and part-time careers with Mather.

“We’re grateful for the city’s support of eMerge, which is a unique program for Evanston residents to participate in programs that provide a pathway for employment,” said Yvonne Jung, Mather’s senior vice president of human resources. “Through internships, scholarships and fellowship, Mather has created this opportunity for youth and young adults to grow, learn and increase their skills—even having the ability to try out a career before accepting a job offer.”

The eMerge program accomplishes these workforce initiatives:

• Intergenerational fellowship opportunities pairing youth and young adults with volunteer residents at The Mather in Evanston (a life plan community for those 62+). In 2022, residents at The Mather assisted local students with math, writing and French assignments, as well as science fair projects through virtual and in person classes.
• Internships for students 16 years of age and older who would like to learn about and work in a senior living community, experiencing what it is like to work in hospitality roles such as culinary services, housekeeping, building services and more.
• Scholarships through Oakton College to help remove financial barriers for those seeking careers as a health professional. Mather hosts clinicals for partner organizations that could ultimately lead to a career in senior living as a certified nurse assistant (CNA) or other position.

Mather is one of Evanston’s oldest and largest employers and prioritizes training and learning opportunities to enhance workforce development for its employees, such as culinary training in conjunction with LobsterInk through the Culinary Institute of America, which directly increases a person’s pay as they complete various levels of the program. Mather was also recently re-certified as a “Great Place to Work,” which further amplifies its dedication to delivering a positive work environment and a great place to work for all.