TACOMA – Tacoma Goodwill will dramatically expand the number of at-risk young adults learning leadership skills and training in construction with the receipt of a $550,000 federal grant.
The federal Department of Labor announced the grant late Friday as part of a $47 million distribution to 96 programs nationwide. A total of 322 applications were received for the funding. More information is available at www.dol.gov/opa/media/press/eta/eta20071522.htm.
“This federal funding provides important support, including more and stronger services to young adults,” said Terry A. Hayes, Tacoma Goodwill CEO. “This will allow us to expand our outreach efforts but offer opportunities for more businesses to participate through opening internships or providing volunteer instructors.”
YouthBuild focuses on young adults who may have dropped out of high school or have other barriers to employment. The program provides instruction to pass the high school equivalency test and opportunities to work in the construction trade. The federal grant will mean:
- Starting in January 2008, two more classes, totaling 32 participants, will be formed;
- Selected YouthBuild class members will take part in rebuilding the Gulf Coast;
- Additional construction trainers and counselors will be hired.
To get involved in the program now, please call Latasha Haynes at 253.219.3363. Additional information about YouthBuild can be found online at www.tacomagoodwill.org.
A class of 16 started Goodwill’s second year of YouthBuild on Oct. 8 – with graduation planned for April 2008. There were 43 applicants but funding cuts forced program managers to limit the number of participants.
Upon reaching specific program goals, another $550,000 will be received next year through the federal Department of Labor. Besides the federal grant, Goodwill is using money raised from store sales to support the program. Additional funding comes from a Perkins Grant and the Northwest Leadership Foundation.
This year’s program supporters include YouthBuild USA, Rebuilding Together South Sound, Greater Pierce County Habitat for Humanity, Bates Technical College, Tacoma Housing Authority, Tacoma-Pierce County Employment & Training Consortium, Southwest Regional Council of Carpenters; Carpenters Local 470; and LADS Local 1144.
Eighteen young adults graduated from Goodwill’s first class of YouthBuild participants. They provided more than 800 hours of volunteer service working on 10 low-income homes in the community. All improved math and reading by at least one grade level and nine obtained GEDs.
Hayes said YouthBuild provides a way for young adults to create a new life for themselves.
“These young adults receive real-world skills that can lead them toward a brighter future,” Hayes said. “They learn about leadership and community service that will help them fulfill their potential.”
