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Tenth District Congressman Donald M. Payne announced today that the Department of Housing and Urban Development has awarded $700,000 to YouthBuild Newark, a program which empowers young men and women to complete their high school education and to achieve on-the-job training in construction skills.
“I am very pleased that we were able to secure funding for this important and worthwhile program,” said Congressman Payne. “This grant will allow YouthBuild Newark to continue the tremendous work they have been doing in our community.”
Located in the city’s Central Ward, YouthBuild Newark has “harnessed the intelligence and positive energy of low-income young people to rebuild their communities and their lives” since its inception in 2003. Holding to the belief that taking ownership in one’s community development is a means of personal development, YouthBuild Newark has helped young adults restore their neighborhoods and their lives by providing educational enrichment, job-training skills, adult mentorship and counseling. Participants in the program build and renovate local single-family homes and multi-family apartments, which are sold at affordable prices, to low-income persons as well as homeless individuals and families. In addition to improving the landscape of their neighborhoods, participants are encouraged to further their civic engagement through activities such as volunteering and participating in the city’s Municipal Council Meetings.
Congressman Payne said, “I applaud YouthBuild Newark because their work allows for the full-circle transformation of not only its participants, but also the community. When youth engage in positive alternatives, they are opening new doors for themselves and at the same, giving their neighbors opportunities to also have a fresh start. I am glad we were able to help fund this program that is a wonderful example how one organization can have a ripple effect throughout the community.” |
