US Department of Justice funds local program to help youth in need
HOUSTON (February 24, 2011) – HoustonWorks USA is honored to announce the funding of Youth Empowerment Success (YES) Program from the United States Department of Justice, Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention. There will be an official check presentation on Thursday, February 24, 2011 at the Sunnyside Multi-Service Center located at 4605 Wilmington Street beginning at 10:00 am. United States Congressman Al Green, representing the 9th Congressional District, will be in attendance for this presentation.
“There is a tremendous need in the community for programs like YES,” said, Larry V. Green, CEO, HoustonWorks USA. “Program like YES provide youth a second chance at life. Unfortunately, people often give up too easily on those who made some bad choices; it is our intent to do what we can to insure that those in the program have every chance to succeed.”
“We are very excited to receive this recognition from the Department of Justice,” said Anan Qaddumi, VP, Operations, The Interfield Group, Inc. “The mission of HoustonWorks is to provide a competitive workforce for businesses in the city. The YES program provides us with another opportunity to assist Houston’s youth with finding a career or a trade to go into to support themselves in the future. We are not providing a handout, but a hand-up so they will become self-sufficient.”
“Houston needs the Youth Empowerment Success (YES) program. YES is a good answer for vulnerable youths who desire an opportunity to become productive adults. YES can be a way forward to a needed job and a better life. Let’s say ‘yes’ to YES,” said Congressman Al Green.
The target population is at-risk youth, ages 12-17, that are currently on probation through the Harris County Juvenile Probation Office. HoustonWorks USA plans to serve 100 youths from four Harris County Community Unit Probation Service Offices. Youth will be referred to the program by their Probation Officers.
The YES Program is a career awareness program that will engage youth and their parents in activities that will assist the youth in determining career paths early on. The goal is to reduce crime and increase the youths’ ability to successfully function within the community, school, work place and home. Workshops will take place throughout the year that will address the developmental needs of the youth offenders including their academic foundation, life skills and good work ethic.
The program is designed to prepare the youth offenders that are currently in the juvenile justice system, to gain meaningful employment and access to educational and training opportunities while on probation.
About HoustonWorks USA
HoustonWorks USA serves more than 900,000 persons annually with job placement, continuing education and vocational training. HoustonWorks USA manages several of the largest Workforce Solutions offices in the 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. Job seekers can attend a variety of workshops including job search techniques and resume writing, or use 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 is a 501(c) 3, tax-exempt organization. Visit www.houstonworks.org for additional information.
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