In the Employee Spotlight we recognize a Youth Service, Inc. employee making an impact in the communities we serve. Jemetra Harvey-Gordon is on the Program Support Staff team at YSI’s Crittenton Family Based Support Center program and has worked at YSI for 15 years.
Q: Tell us a little bit about yourself and your background. Do you have any special hobbies or interests you’d like to share?
A: My name is Jemetra Harvey-Gordon. I am currently the administrative assistant at Youth Emergency Service (YES). I am a wife and mother who enjoys cooking, family time and taking care of others. I consider myself the “Sunshine for My Family & Friends.”
Q: What brought you to YSI?
A: I was referred by a former employee who told me about this great program that she thought I would be a good fit. Being a foster child myself, I felt that I could help make a positive impact on families while also learning more about the system.
Q: What roles have you had during your 15 years at YSI?
A: I have been at YSI for 15 years. I first came to Youth Service Inc. on October 2, 2006 as a Foster Care Administrative Assistant. I managed the daily activities and cases for the program until it ended in 2009, then I became the Receptionist/ Administrative assistant for YSI’s main office from 2009-2015. Following that, I transferred to Youth Emergency Service (YES) Teen Shelter. I worked at the Teen Shelter for 5 years and transferred to Family Support Services in 2020 as Program Support Staff.
Q: What are some of the biggest challenges faced by you working in this program?
A: I really have not faced many major challenges during my time working at YSI. I have a great support team and my supervisors have always made certain that I had all the materials needed to do this important work needed in our communities.
Q: What do you do to overcome these challenges?
A: I am certain that if I had any challenges, I would be able to reach out to my team and receive the support I needed.
Q: What keeps you motivated every day?
A: Knowing that I will learn something new every day. Keeping families together and supported is very important to me.
Q: What is one of your favorite success stories during your time at YSI?
A: One of my favorite success stories is a former youth at the Teen Shelter who almost gave up on her life’s strength and perseverance. I took her under my wing, kept her focused and constantly reminded her she was worth it. She graduated high school, currently she is 23 years old, employed, healthy and happy. Keeping our youth encouraged with just a few words, a smile or just listening to them helps. It really does!
Q: What are some of your favorite memories of YSI?
A: Wow! There are so many to name. My most favorite memories are around the Christmas holiday season and helping run YSI’s annual toy store to help families in our programs and the community brighten the smiles and faces of their children for Christmas.
Q: What do you enjoy most about working in this program and at YSI?
A: What I enjoy most about working here at Family Based Services is, knowing how important it is to keep our families encouraged no matter what the situation. When I am doing an intake, I always actively listen to the needs of the families and try my best to support them. I love being a part of YSI. I have actually been working for several programs and I am grateful to have had the opportunity to learn so many new skills.