Habitat CFC recently began a partnership with The Workplace, a regional organization that strives, through countless programs, to develop a well-educated, well-trained, and self-sufficient workforce. Through the Youth Build program, Habitat CFC and The Workplace are helping young people complete their General Educational Development (GED) program while receiving classroom and hands-on training in the construction trades. As you would guess, the hands-on training is Habitat CFC’s part.

The Youth Build program officially begins this week, but we already had an opportunity to help interview the candidates and work with them through a brief test period. The twelve young people that are participating each had a different story that led them to this point in their lives. While some just need a little extra support, a few have dealt with formidable challenges, and others want a guiding hand towards a better path in life. But each of them took the initiative to apply for this program and demonstrated both enthusiasm and gratitude for the opportunity being offered. The Workplace made it clear that successful completion will depend on participants’ fulfilling their obligations – that they will get from the program what they put in. From what I saw of these young people, this will not be a problem.

You may wonder why an organization that builds decent affordable housing and provides home-ownership opportunities for hard working families has agreed to participate in the Youth Build initiative. One reason is pragmatic – we will provide good training and these young volunteers will help us build more quality houses. Perhaps one of the participants will ultimately become a Habitat Project Manager. Beyond this – we are providing a second chance for a group of young people that are doing what they must to improve their lives. We don’t just build homes at Habitat CFC – we build community. And with our help and support, each of these young people will be contributing members.   

Best Wishes,