Our Communities are so important to each one of us. When we realize some of the failings in many of our low income and poorer communities, it should cause alarm to all Americans. Many people have little to no hope as they feel trapped in communities that do not offer good education or employment opportunities, causing them to never realize such things as owning a home or upward mobility. Many who live in such communities end up turning to drugs and/or a life of crime.
For these reasons, I advocate for those who can, to get into positions to help these and their own communities by getting involved in initiatives that Build Communities either through your local, state or federal government.
Today, I am excited about a government grant that I have recently learned about that is offered by the Department of Labor (DOL) through Grants.gov website called YouthBuild. YouthBuild is everything I dream of for the rebuilding of our communities all over the US. It can be started by individuals or organizations. The Grant itself is self-explanatory and anyone with the wherewithal to take on the initiative can apply. Many may be able to write the Grant themselves.
What is YouthBuild?
Here is a quote from their manual to explain:
“YouthBuild is a comprehensive youth and community development program. YouthBuild simultaneously addresses several core issues facing low-income communities: education, housing, jobs, and leadership development. It uniquely addresses the status of unemployed young men and women who have dropped out of school and have no apparent path to a productive future. It allows them to simultaneously serve their communities and build their own future.”
YouthBuild serves youth ages 16-24 years old. Besides being able to get an academic education resulting in the acquirement of a high school diploma, GED, or other state-recognized high school equivalency degree, the students get hands-on training at building homes, many other vocational and higher learning opportunities, and guaranteed jobs/or apprenticeship once they’ve completed the program.
Many youths from different racial and ethnic groups participate and the program serves rural as well as urban neighborhoods.
The DOL awards grants in the amount of $700,000 – 1.1 million to those who qualify.
Check it out further on their website: www.youthbuild.org
“In that day, I will restore David’s fallen shelter—I will repair its broken walls and restore its ruins—and will rebuild it as it used to be…” Amos 9:11
Shalom,
~SAT~
~To book Sylvia for speaking engagements email her at sylviathomasministries@gmail.com
Sylvia is the author of the delightful children’s Bible Story Books
The Judah Collection
Order Books by Sylvia A. Thomas at
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Sylvia Thomas Worldwide Ministries 