By: Isaiah S. Showell, Follow South Jersey Multimedia Journalist/’What’s Good’ Host
VINELAND, N.J. — Cumberland County’s interest in uplifting and empowering the youth is at an all-time high with The Youth Employment Celebration that took place at the Vineland Public School Administrative Office.
Thanks to Hopeloft and The Cumberland County Positive Youth Development Coalition’s collaboration to provide employment opportunities for youth who come from alternative schools because they were having difficulty finding and keeping a job, the pressure has been lessened.
Adrian McGriff is the Youth Success Liaison for the Cumberland County Prosecutors Office, and he believes the hard work put in to creating these opportunities will give the disenfranchised youth hope.
“A lot of times they run into disappointment,” said McGriff. “When they see adults like this work group come together that supports them they know there’s hope and they have a future.”
Xavier’s Auto Detailing is a representation of a business stepping up ready to train the youth in their space and get them ready for work in the real world. Xavier says that he was once in the same position as the young men he trained and was eager to help.
“They’re great kids and I can’t complain about them,” said Xavier.
Kenny Hunter also spent time with the youth representing Job Well Done Cleaning and John Fuqua of Life Worth Living also made time to pour into the youth and show them how to develop their skills. Erica Milbourn, the owner of Everything Classie Sweet Soulful Café, catered the entire event and showed the youth that there’s money to be made in the food industry as well.
Certificates were given acknowledging the youth and their efforts during their time working and learning various skills including taking a picture with Jennifer Webb-McRae.
The Summer Youth Employment Celebration was definitely What’s Good in South Jersey because all the youth’s hard work was celebrated, and through this acknowledgement it hopefully will lead to more positivity from them in the future.
- What’s Good In South Jersey? The Water – With Isaiah Showell
- Atlantic County To Offer Free Flu Vaccines In October
- What’s Good In South Jersey? Summer Youth Employment Celebration – With Isaiah Showell
Follow South Jersey provides local journalism which highlights our diverse communities; fosters transparency through robust, localized, and vital reporting that holds leaders and institutions accountable; addresses critical information needs; supports people in navigating civic life; and equips people with the information necessary to partake in effective community engagement. If there is a story or event you think we should cover, please send your tips to news@followsouthjersey.com with “NEWS” in the subject line.
