The program is based around connecting people with helping them accomplish the goals they set for themselves, he said.

"They say what their goals are, they're actually engaged with how their lives take shape," said Frederick.

Tempo is a collaboration of several local service providers, including Wayside Youth and Family Services, the Future Skills Institute, Advocates, SMOC and the Framingham Community Health Center.

The organization gets part of its funding from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, a New Jersey-based philanthropy that works to promote greater access to health care.

Tempo uses what staff call a "youth-centered planning process" to help young adults develop goals and to provide the tools and resources needed to become successful, independent members of the community.

Frederick called Tempo a sort of "one-stop shopping" for young people because of the range of options offered under one roof.

"If you (come) through our front door, we can help you," said Frederick.

Those services include resume help, health screenings and even counseling for up to 18 months with a case worker to help get a young person's life on track, he said.

Monday's health and career night is the work of one of Tempo's staffers, Gina DelPrete, who Frederick credited with making the event a reality.

"She's been doing the work on it," said Frederick.

For more information about the Tempo Young Adult Resource Center, visit www.tempoyarc.org or call 508-879-1424.

(John Hilliard can be reached at 508-626-4449 or John.Hilliard @cnc.com.)