Walking into the Career Services center, you’re greeted by the quiet hum of keyboard typing and mouse clicking as Covenant House Texas youth work away at the computer stations. In the corner office, you’ll hear Lichol Ford, the head of Career Services, guiding young residents as they navigate their next chapter. “I always tell them that homelessness is not who they are, just where they’re at in their story, and we’re here to help them turn the page,” Ford said.
Advising the youth we serve is a fulfilling role for Lichol, who started her professional career as a teacher before finding her way to Covenant House Texas. Experienced in working with young people, it was a natural fit for Lichol to use her background to help our youth plan for their working future. Since her arrival, she frequently goes above and beyond her role to assist around campus, from working in other departments to using her free time to assist with special events. Lichol’s adaptability and compassion have made her a fixture around the Beulah Street campus and an indispensable member of the Covenant House Texas team. The key to her success, according to Lichol, is flexibility while creating a nurturing environment in the Career Services Center where all youth feel welcome.
“We treat them like family,” Lichol remarked. “Getting them to see the value and potential in themselves is how we inspire them to go back to school, update their skills and find a job.” Lichol’s aim is to help each youth, whether they have a clear vision of their future or not, to develop the tools and confidence needed to forge their own path when they leave campus.
Career guidance is more than just advising appointments as Lichol makes it a point every day to do the rounds and check in to see how the residents are doing and what they are working towards. “So many of them are not used to having someone care about them, so checking in on those little milestones makes the difference in building their trust with us,” she observed. One of her favorite moments is when a youth she’s advised comes up to her, on their own, excited to share an update about their goals. As rewarding as Lichol’s work can be, there are moments when the balancing act of responsibilities can weigh on her and, in those times, Lichol focuses on why she continues to choose this work.
Jay-Sean, a past resident of Covenant House Texas, was one of Lichol’s first success stories. From housing to helping him secure his first job at a hotel, Jay-Sean’s trust in Lichol allowed her to find the right opportunities for him. “He keeps in touch after all this time and he’s the first one I really feel like I had an impression on and he’s said as much,” Lichol reflected. “He started as a kid who didn’t speak and barely smiled, so getting to watch his personality blossom and confidence grow was just incredible.”
During Jay-Sean’s time at Covenant House, he frequented the Career Services Center for academic and career support. Lichol recalls he would often stop by with issues that her team wouldn’t normally handle since he felt the most comfortable at the center. Whenever Lichol is apprehensive about presenting to community partners for opportunities with Covenant House or debating the best way to connect with a resident about their future, she remembers the impact she had on Jay-Sean and others.
“In my car on the way to work, I make the same prayer every morning, ‘Lord let me be a blessing to someone today,’” she said. “I don’t need them to remember me or the team. I just want them to remember the lessons we’re trying to teach them when they leave us.” Excited for what the new campus will bring, Lichol’s team is already planning new ways to utilize the space to help even more youth escape homelessness. Lichol’s passion and sincerity make it clear why Career Services is a favorite among residents and why it’s such an impactful part of our mission.
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