Youth Build
Youth Build
OUR MISSION: “WITH LOVE AND RESPECT, WE PARTNER WITH COMMUNITIES AND OUT-OF-SCHOOL YOUTH IN THE SOUTHWEST GEORGIA AREA TO BUILD THE SKILLSETS AND MINDSETS THAT LEAD TO OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE TO BECOME SELF-SUFFICIENT LEADERS AND PRODUCTIVE CITIZENS IN THEIR COMMUNITIES TO REDUCE POVERTY AND IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF LIFE. ”
YouthBuild programs provide low-income, out – of-work young adults ages 16 to 24 an opportunity to become productive members of their communities. Participants divide their time between the construction site and the YouthBuild alternative school. Strong emphasis is placed on leadership development, community service, and the creation of a positive mini-community committed to success.
ELIGIBILITY GUIDELINES:
- Youth must be between the ages of 16-24 years of age
- Males between the ages of 18-24 must be registered for selective services.
- Youth must be a member of a disadvantaged youth population such as: low-income family, a youth in foster care, a youth offender, disabled, incarcerated parent, or a migrant youth.
YOUTHBUILD OFFERS:
- Life Skills and Employability Workshops
- Career Scope
- NCCER (National Center for Construction Educational and Research) Certification
- Job Training
- Job Placement Assistance
- Leadership Development
- Education
- Supportive Services
- Stipends
- Youth Development
- Follow-Up Assistance
The YouthBuild program is uniquely comprehensive. Each local program integrates components of housing, education, job training, leadership development, counseling, and graduate support.
Housing. Participants build or rehabilitate homes for homeless and low-income people in their communities.
Education. Participants prepare for high school diplomas, GEDs, vocational school, or college. The curriculum integrates academics with life skills.
Job Training. Participants gain a sound work ethic and develop the skills to succeed in their career goals.
Leadership Development. Participants learn to take responsibility for themselves and their families and advocate on issues in their communities.
Counseling. Regular counseling and referrals are offered to address issues such as child care, transportation, and substance abuse.
Program Support. Participants who successfully complete the program have access to resources and support to assist them as they advance their careers, go to college, build assets, and become role models.
As of January 1, 2024, Empowerment Pathways YouthBuild is funded by Southwest Georgia United. Prior to 2024, YouthBuild was funded by a grant through the U. S. Department of Labor (DOL) for $1.5MM. Twenty percent (25%) of the funding came from other sources and 75% form DOL grant. A new Request for Proposal (RFP) three-year grant was submitted on February 1, 2024, to DOL.
Address: Side Entrance – 102 West 12th Ave, Cordele, GA 31015; Front Entrance – 124 South 7th Street, Cordele, GA 31015
Mobile: 229.947.3004
Current Office hours: Monday – Thursday 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM
Marisa B. Wedges
Director of Youth Services/Program Manager
Empowerment Pathways YouthBuild
“Repairing the Breach”
(229) 276 – 1580 (Office)
(229) 947 – 3004 (work cell)
1-800-715-4225 (GA Crisis Line)
Program Staff:
Marisa B. Wedges – Director of Youth Services/Program Manager
Tomeika Davis – Career Placement Specialist/Job Developer
Lisa Dixon – Program Assistant
Luke Cason – Construction Coordinator
Duane Crawford – Construction Site Supervisor
