Zion Township SWP
2026 Issue 01 July 1, 2026 Newsletter
Dear SWP Parents, We are excited to welcome youth, families, mentors, and community partners to another season of the Summer Work Program! The program kickoff occurred on Monday, June 15, 2026, with a training session at Grace Missionary Church in Zion. On training day, the youth had the opportunity to meet their respective mentors and received all the information, materials, and uniforms needed for the program.
Program Highlights: Over the past two weeks, our Summer Work Program interns have shown tremendous growth, dedication, and enthusiasm in their work assignments. Interns have been actively engaged in a variety of hands-on experiences that are helping them build practical job skills and strong workplace habits. From assisting with park and street clean-up to completing daily tasks alongside their mentors, participants are gaining valuable experience in responsibility, teamwork, communication, and time management. They are learning what it means to show up prepared, work cooperatively with others, and take pride in contributing to their community. In addition to their work assignments, interns have also been exploring the program’s weekly character values. During week one, interns focused on Safety by learning the importance of making careful choices, following directions, and creating a safe work environment for themselves and others. In week two, the focus shifted to Integrity, encouraging interns to practice honesty and accountability, and to do the right thing even when no one is watching. Each week, interns participated in a lesson, completed an assessment, and were encouraged to apply these values in their daily work. They also chose a goal for the program, and their progress will be recorded. It has been encouraging to see our interns grow in confidence as they take on new responsibilities, adapt to workplace expectations, and strengthen the skills that will support them in school, future jobs, and everyday life. We are proud of the commitment they have shown so far and look forward to seeing their continued progress throughout the summer.
What’s Ahead As we approach the next few weeks of the program, we are excited about what’s to come. Interns will continue working at their assigned worksites. There are some educational workshops scheduled, and as a reminder, we are closed on Friday, July 3 for the holiday. Once again, thank you for entrusting us with your child this summer. We are incredibly proud of each participant and look forward to continuing working with them. If you have any questions or would like to discuss your intern’s progress, please don’t hesitate to contact me at 847-872-2811 or adriana@ziontownship.org.