Building Confidence at Habitat for Humanity ReStore: Victoria’s Story

​For many young people, summer is a chance to take a break from school. For East High School student Victoria, it became an opportunity to gain valuable work experience, build confidence, and prepare for her future career goals through the Oneida Nation's Tribal 477 Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP). 

Designed to provide youth with workforce experience, career exploration opportunities, and essential life skills, the Summer Youth Employment Program helps participants develop professional skills while connecting them with local employers and mentors.

The program serves youth ages 14-19 and focuses on preparing the next generation for success through meaningful work experiences and educational support.

Now a senior at East High School, Victoria spent her summer at Habitat for Humanity's ReStore, where she gained firsthand experience working in a busy retail environment. From assisting customers to organizing merchandise to operating the cash register, she developed valuable workplace skills throughout the summer. "It's nice to interact with people, give smiles, and help people," she shared.

Victoria learned about the program through her family. Her brother previously participated, working in agriculture through Oneida's summer employment opportunities. After completing an application process that includes eligibility requirements related to tribal affiliation and household income, Victoria was accepted and matched with the ReStore.

The placement held a special meaning for her and her family. Two years ago, Victoria's mother went through Greater Green Bay Habitat for Humanity’s Homeownership Program and purchased a home on Harvey Street. Part of that process includes contributing sweat equity hours on the build site and in the ReStore, so Victoria was already familiar with the mission of the organization.

This summer, Victoria shared that she gained valuable experience in customer service and retail operations. Some of her responsibilities included cashiering, helping customers, and keeping merchandise stocked throughout the store.

"Cashiering can be a little stressful when it's really busy," she said with a laugh. "But when it's slower, it's easier. I also like moving things around and organizing."

Victoria volunteering as a cashier with her mom, Sheena

In addition to working alongside staff members, Victoria has enjoyed getting to know the many volunteers who support the ReStore's mission behind the scenes.

This program also helps students earn mandatory hours so they can graduate faster. Victoria hopes to pursue a career in welding and plans to apply to Northeast Wisconsin Technical College midway through her senior year. She sees summer employment programs like this one as an opportunity to get a head start on her future.

As the Oneida Nation's Summer Youth Employment Program continues to invest in young people through hands-on learning experiences, participants like Victoria build confidence, explore new potential career paths, and develop the skills they need to succeed long after summer ends.