HOUSTON (May 17, 2011)—HoustonWorks USA is pleased to announce a $5,000 grant investment from the United Way of Greater Houston for the Youth Empowerment and Success (YES) Program. The grant will benefit the YES Program Career tour, providing supplemental support to more than 100 at-risk youth that are currently on probation through the Harris County Juvenile Probation Office.
The YES Program Career Tour is a short-term project to empower youth on probation to explore possibilities by promoting career awareness, and providing in-person, on-site exposures to local industries, apprenticeship programs and institutions of higher education. The 3-phase tour will secure transportation to expand efforts to at-risk youth in breaking the cycle of drop-out, unemployment and recidivism, and stop the revolving door of incarceration.
“It is a great honor to have the United Way of Greater Houston invest into the YES program and its mission,” Larry V. Green, CEO, HoustonWorks USA, said. “These students have seen enough doors close on them because of their mistakes, now; we see a great partnership that will capture new opportunities for second chances.”
United Way of Greater Houston Community Building Grants are one-time, short-term funding from $500 to $5,000 awarded to nonprofit civic and neighborhood groups for projects that benefit the community. Last year, Community Building Grants provided financial investment to more than 30 local non-profit partners.
“As a recipient of a United Way of Greater Houston Community Building Grant, HoustonWorks USA will be able to make a positive impact in the local community,” Ronald Johnson, HoustonWorks USA Board Member, said. “HoustonWorks USA is working to make a difference by helping at-risk youth turn their lives in a positive direction. This investment will help these students connect to valuable resources and equip them with the ability to formulate realistic goals for a better future.”
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:
Founded in 1984, HoustonWorks USA is the leading provider of services focusing on job placement, continuing education and vocational training. Serving more than 1 million annually, HoustonWorks USA provides job seekers with a variety of workshops including job search techniques, interviewing skills and resume writing, and 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.
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