Gopuff, a leading consumer technology platform and instant needs category creator, and Valley Youth House, who empowers over 22,000 homeless and foster youth and vulnerable families across Pennsylvania to achieve health and independent futures, today announced a joint employment program for Philadelphia’s youth. Together, the two organizations developed a unique employment program through which the young people involved with Valley Youth House can apply for full-time employment at Gopuff’s Customer Service Center in Philadelphia with VYH’s recommendation.

Tim Bailer, Gopuff’s Director of Customer Service, said, “As an industry veteran, I firmly believe that learning the skills needed to work in customer service – problem solving, communication, interpersonal skills and patience – can lead to a lifetime of gainful employment. With the goal of fostering these skills among youth in our community, Gopuff wanted to partner with a collaborative youth-focused organization, so Valley Youth House was a natural choice. Today, we’re proud to share that Gopuff has employed six young people through this program, and we look forward to our continued partnership.”

Shani Meacham, Vice President of Philadelphia from Valley Youth House, added: “We’re proud of the program we’ve developed with Gopuff and the work our youth has put in to make the most of this employment opportunity. For many, this is a first job, so we developed the program with this and their unique backgrounds in mind. Not only do Gopuff’s customer service positions provide a path to financial independence, but they also serve as resume builders in the form of great work experience and provide participants with key competencies needed to succeed in the future.”

Once hired, youth over the age of 18 can work full time in Gopuff’s 24-hour, Philadelphia-based customer service center with the opportunity for raises and promotions within the department and at Gopuff’s headquarters. Gopuff provides specialized courses and modules for VYH employees during onboarding and training to ensure any first-time workers are prepared and confident as they begin work at the Customer Service Center. Agents are responsible for inbound and outbound phone calls, emails, and social media contacts.

Each of those employed through the Gopuff-VYH program since it began in September 2019 maintains their position today. Gopuff’s co-founders and co-CEOs Rafael Ilishayev and Yakir Gola were recognized in 2019 by VYH as Emerging Leaders at VYH’s annual gala.