|
January
21, 2003
RELEASE
IMMEDIATELY
Contact:
Lakema Sams, Employment Specialist
Richmond YouthWORKS
Program
(510) 235-5497
CITY HOSTS GRAND OPENING
FOR “RICHMOND AFTER DARK”
RAD exemplifies City’s first
youth-operated program to keep children constructively
occupied during high crime after school hours
The City of Richmond’s YouthWORKS program invites the
public to the grand opening of its Richmond After Dark
(RAD) program on Thursday, February 6, 2003, at 1149 Macdonald
Avenue at 12th Street, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m.
Mayor Irma L. Anderson and various local elected officials
will take part in the event. Youth who will be participating
in RAD will share their views on the program.
Richmond
After Dark was created to provide a safe environment for
youth to congregate during the high crime after school hours
of 3-9 p.m. The project’s holistic approach to youth services
includes academic, employment, life skills, support services
and recreation components. This unique approach to service
delivery focuses on youth driven operations and facilitation
with adult supervision and guidance to allow participants to
develop social and employment skills that are critical for
successful lives.
“We believe
that the project will begin to chip away at those issues that
prevent youth from developing into responsible working adults
and productive citizens,” says YouthWORKS Director Ilona
McGriff. “We hope that the participant’s newfound sense of
direction and purpose will further eradicate both community
and national concerns of youth violence and promote the
development of a future employable workforce.”
RAD will be
available to low-income and local Richmond youth ages 14-21
from Monday through Saturday, afternoons and evenings.
Participants will be involved in daily tutorials from 4-6
p.m., and will be able to attend workshops offered through a
partnership with Contra Costa Community College. Those
attending these free workshops will be eligible to obtain high
school and college credits. Additionally, GED preparation
will be available. The City of Richmond’s Recreation and
Parks Department will provide recreational activities for the
youth which will help to create a positive, structured
opportunity for youth to spend their leisure time.
For more
information, please contact Lakema Sams at (510) 235-5497, or
Ilona McGriff at (510) 307-8153.
|
Election
Specials
