Jacob
A New Perspective Leads
to Employment Success
I
t’s known as a place where nothing is
as it seems – but for Jacob Younge
the Museum of Illusions is truly a fun
and rewarding workplace! Jacob’s
enviable job title is “Illusions Expert” at
the Museum, located at The Foundry in
St. Louis.
“My job is to explain to our guests how it
works,” says Jacob. “I show them how to
interact with all the exhibits, and build a
connection so they have a good time.”
Jacob also works the front reception
desk, assists people in the gift shop, and
serves as a tour guide when needed.
Jacob worked at his previous job for
the past eight years. He was good at
what he did, but he wanted
opportunities to advance and make
more money. Most of all, he hoped for
work that would utilize his skills and
his education, including the bachelor’s
degree in Communication he earned
in May 2022.
Through Arc’s Employment Services
Plus program, Jacob connected with
career consultant Laurie Gaterman.
Laurie encouraged Jacob to be open
to jobs that t his skills in a variety of
different elds. She helped him
research jobs and set up
informational interviews so he could
learn more about specic positions.
Working with Laurie, Jacob was able
to improve his resume and practice
his interviewing skills.
He secured several interviews, including
with the newly opened Museum of
Illusions, where he was hired in May 2024.
“We researched it online and it looked
cool,” says Jacob. “But it wasn’t until after
the four-day orientation and training that
I realized, yeah, I can do this.”
“It’s a communications position, a great
environment and I like the people,” says
Jacob. And the people like him too – he
was recently recognized as “Expert of
the Month” by the Museum! “I really
enjoy it and would like to keep doing it for
a while,” he says. “My other goal is to
move out and live on my own, and I know
I want to be in a good position and
earning to do that.”
Maggie also participates regularly in Arc’s
Bounce Forward social activities for young
adults, and receives Pre-Employment and
Employment Services support.
Maggie was able to work on both
friendships and transportation skills
this summer when she wanted to meet
up with a friend to see a movie and
hang out. Working with her Launch
Transition Advisor, Maggie learned how
to independently ride the MetroBus using
the Transit app as a resource. She now
feels more condent to use the MetroBus
when she needs to go somewhere while
her family members are at work.
“A majority of the goals I’ve had, the Arc
has helped me accomplish them,” says
Maggie. “And Arc’s been a great way
to meet new people. We all have our
differences, our unique things, but we
can relate to each other a lot. So it’s
been great.”
W
hen Maggie started St. Louis Arc’s
Launch program this past May,
she set some goals for herself,
like making new friends and
learning how to ride the MetroBus.
Maggie
Independence
is the Goal
Launch is part of St. Louis Arc’s NEXT
Transition services for youth and young
adults. It provides both one-on-one
coaching and group learning sessions
to help young people increase their
independence and achieve the life
they want.
Maggie attends Launch classes ve
times per month, either in-person or
virtually. “Skills they teach are really good,
important skills, like money management,
paying bills and rent, also friendships
and relationships, and budgeting,” she
explains. Last summer, Maggie signed
up for the weeklong, overnight NextED
Challenge to practice independent living
skills. She eventually hopes to move into
her own apartment.