YouthBuild Open House - September 27-28, 2011
YouthBuild showing renovated houses:
5pm to 6:30pm on Tuesday, September 27
422 S. 22nd St. in Mt. Vernon
5pm to 6:30pm on Wednesday, September 28
1303 Frazier St. in Centralia
Representatives from YouthBuild will be at the open houses to answer questions about the program and the importance of mentoring a youth in need.
“Many of the YouthBuild participants do not have a strong family background,” states YouthBuild Mentoring Coordinator Christy Garner. “They are going through a transitional period in their life where they need someone who will be there for them. A mentor is someone in the community that cares about them, talks to them, and can provide a stable relationship when they need it most.”
Each house was purchased so that YouthBuild of Jefferson and Marion Counties could teach construction, leadership, and work skills to young adults. YouthBuild helps individuals aged 17-24 earn their GED while completing projects in the community.
“We would like to invite everyone from the community to see the improvements we have made to your neighborhood,” adds YouthBuild Program Supervisor Rick Marlow. “YouthBuild is a wonderful program designed to give the participants a second chance. Renovating a house is a great way for the community and participants to physically see the work they have done.”
YouthBuild is a six to nine month program and accepts applications for new participants quarterly. YouthBuild of Jefferson and Marion Counties is a service of United Methodist Children’s Home.