Program helps at-risk young adults develop work skills
Youth Build Dayton promotes success with construction skills.
A Dayton organization is using construction to give young adults a second chance.
Youth Build Dayton/AmeriCorps is a program that helps at-risk young adults develop work skills.
Last week nearly 40 Youth Build participants joined staff from County Corp, a nonprofit development corporation, to install landscaping and clean up around a newly renovated house in Harrison Twp.
“We have a lot of people who need employment. And the challenge is making sure people have the soft skills and the certification training to be successful in the workforce,” Adam Blake, vice president of housing for County Corp, told News Center 7’s Malik Perkins.
The construction program is for people between the ages of 18 and 24.
Shuana Sheffield has been involved in Youth Build for eight months.
She had reservations when she started with the program, but gave it a try anyway.
“I feel like this program kind of put me in the right mind frame and made me get it together for my daughter,” Sheffield said.
Several of those in the program said they plan to use what they are learning to pursue other goals.
“I’m going to switch to physical therapy, because I love to see people happy,” Azurnae Baltazar said.
Singleton Sweeny has experienced success through the program.
“I stayed dedicated, and I have all of my certifications now,” Sweeny said.
The program, funded through the U.S. Department of Labor and the Corporation for National Service, also helps students earn a high school diploma or GED.