Program edifies and mobilizes at-risk youth with new career training
HOUSTON (July 19, 2010) – Construction for a better tomorrow has commenced as Comcast donates $15,000 to YouthBuild Houston, a program administered by HoustonWorks USA in partnership with United States Department of Labor,YouthBuild USA and Houston Habitat for Humanity. YouthBuild Houston is a program that simultaneously addresses core issues facing low-income communities: housing, education, employment, crime prevention and leadership development.
HoustonWorks will host a press conference and check presentation on July 20, 2010 at 10:00 am at a Houston Habitat for Humanity site under construction. The site is in the Milby Park subdivision located on Mesa and Sterlingshire.
“We are grateful to Comcast for their continuous support and investment in YouthBuild,” said HoustonWorks CEO Larry V. Green, Esq. “We are not only building homes, we are building a future for our youth while tackling multiple community concerns that face our city. The program provides participants with a second chance to complete their education, learn the necessary skills to become gainfully employed, and build a hopeful future for themselves and their families.”
“This is a really exciting and extremely important initiative for Comcast. Developing these job skills in young people is essential to their future,” said Ray Purser, Vice President of Government and Public Relations for Comcast Houston. “Along with this education, these at-risk youth will experience a unique opportunity to improve their lives and the lives of others by cultivating leadership skills, impacting their neighborhoods through community service and preparing for their bright futures in the workforce.”
“Houston Habitat for Humanity, as an organization, is rooted in the philosophy that communities can be built and lives can be changed through volunteerism and generosity of time, money and spirit. Our partnership with HoustonWorks builds on this foundation by not only helping local families purchase affordable homes, but also by contributing to the future success of YouthBuild participants,” said Algenita Davis, Houston Habitat for Humanity Executive Director.
In the program, at-risk youth, 18-24 year olds, work toward their GEDs, learn job skills and serve their communities by constructing low-income housing. Participants receive hands-on training working with Houston Habitat for Humanity and complete more than 500 hours of community service. Additional YouthBuild partners include: The Council on Alcohol and Drugs Houston, Houston Area Women’s Center, AFL-CIO and the City of Houston.
Since the YouthBuild Program was established last fall, participants have helped build multiple houses, and four participants recently received their GEDs. Participants, city and state officials and community leaders are scheduled to attend the July 20th event.
About HoustonWorks USA:
Founded in 1984, HoustonWorks USA is the leading provider of services focusing on job placement, continuing education and vocational training. Serving more than 1 millionpeople annually, HoustonWorks USA provides job seekers with a variety of workshops including job search techniques, interviewing skills and resume writing, or use of the resource library with Internet access and postings of local, state and national job openings. Training is also available in career fields such as healthcare, business, computers and education. HoustonWorks USA manages several of the largest Workforce Solutions offices in Houston and the surrounding region for the Houston Galveston Area Council. These offices offer a wide range of services for job seekers as well as employers looking for trained workers. HoustonWorks also provides numerous youth programs including internships, scholarships, summits and summer camps. HoustonWorks is a 501(c) 3, tax-exempt organization. Visit www.houstonworks.org for additional information.
About Comcast Corporation:
Comcast Corporation (www.comcast.com) is one of the nation’s leading providers of entertainment, information and communication products and services. With 23.5 million cable customers, 16.3 million high-speed Internet customers, and 7.9 million Comcast Digital Voice customers, Comcast is principally involved in the development, management and operation of cable systems and in the delivery of programming content.
Comcast’s content networks and investments include E! Entertainment Television, Style Network, Golf Channel, VERSUS, G4, PBS KIDS Sprout, TV One, 11 regional sports networks operated by Comcast Sports Group and Comcast Interactive Media, which develops and operates Comcast’s Internet businesses, including Comcast.net (www.comcast.net). Comcast also has a majority ownership in Comcast-Spectacor, which owns two professional sports teams, the Philadelphia 76ers NBA basketball team and the Philadelphia Flyers NHL hockey team, and a large, multipurpose arena in Philadelphia, the Wachovia Center, and manages other facilities for sporting events, concerts and other events.
About Habitat:
Since 1987, Houston Habitat for Humanity, along with thousands of sponsors and volunteers, has built nearly 850 affordable homes for purchase by hard-working, low-income Houstonians. Qualified Houston Habitat homebuyers agree to a no-interest mortgage and contribute 300 hours of “sweat equity,” in lieu of a down payment. Partner families are also provided with classes on money management and home maintenance. More information about Houston Habitat and the Houston Habitat ReStore, a discounted building supply outlet, is available at www.houstonhabitat.org or by calling 713-671-9993.
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