YouthBuild Director's Corner - December 2021
December 23, 2021
BREEDEN CONSTRUCTION HIRES YOUTHBUILD STUDENT
Michael Diaz and Marcus Thompson who were members of COHORT 3 which graduated September 17, 2021, were the first YouthBuild students from the program that conducted Job Shadowing with Breeden Construction. The company is nationally recognized, with 60 years of expertise in every facet of the industry. Breeden is a real estate development company that boasts a portfolio of over 15,000 apartments that have been owned, managed, and developed as well as over 2 million square feet of retail and office space.
Michael Diaz was hired as a Carpenter Laborer with a start date of December 27, 2021. Michael will have full medical, dental, and vision, company phone, and computer. Michael will also be afforded 401K benefits after 6 months with Breeden Construction.
Breeden Construction was awarded a contract to serve as a general contractor to redevelop the first two phases of the Newport News Redevelopment and Housing Authority's Marshall-Ridley Choice Neighborhood. Newport News Redevelopment and Housing Authority is the developer for the project. The $18.5 million renovation project includes the redevelopment of 81 total multifamily units. Construction is set to begin in late June 2021.
Michael Diaz also received YouthBuild's Leadership Award during the COHORT 3 Ceremony. Michael developed into an effective leader during the program cycle. Michael understands leadership is a lifelong process that takes time and experience. Leadership is not a zero-sum equation. When one person harnesses their powers to lead, it strengthens the leadership opportunities of others, rather than diminishing them. That's because the ultimate definition of leadership is empowering others to become effective leaders as well.
Congratulations Michael and good luck to you on all future endeavors.
YOUTHBUILD STUDENTS BUILD PATIO SHELTER FOR FOUR OAKS DAY SERVICE CENTER
The Four Oaks Day Service Center is a beacon of hope and opportunity in the heart of Newport News, VA that helps people transition out of homelessness into employment, stable housing, and independence. A joint venture between the City of Newport News and supported by Newport News YouthBuild under the leadership of Volunteers of America Chesapeake & Carolina. Four Oaks Day Service Center offers workforce development supports, housing assistance, and comprehensive case management services that give people the opportunity to transform their lives.
Newport YouthBuild students under the leadership of Kenneth O'Neil (Construction Manager) and Greg Rankin (Construction Trainer) worked with the city of Newport News in a collaborative effort for this patio project. The Four Oaks courtyard project was an initiative planned by city leaders as an area beautification effort and create a place for the Homeless patrons to relax while being serviced at the Day Center. Courtyards offer a solution by creating a beautiful, private outdoor space that you can use to get some fresh air, talk to other patrons, and assist with the community garden which is part of the Courtyard project.
COHORT 3 GRADUATION
Congratulations to the following students who completed their 6-month YouthBuild program: Raziel Boyd, Marques Thomas, Michael Diaz, Namari Boone, Elyziah Addison. These students were able to receive their National Certification for Construction Education and Research (NCCER), CPR, and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) certificates. Mr. Dave Jenkins, Newport News City Councilmen was the guest speaker and Ms. Candace Vanderwater, VOA_CC Chief Operating Officer (COO) provided closing comments.
FIRST DAY OF CARPENTRY TRAINING FOR COHORT 2
Kyle Douglas developed his skills during the first day of Newport News Carpentry Training. The Carpentry training which Kyle and other YouthBuild students received to assist with students wanting to start a career in the construction or home improvement industry. It is an introduction to residential construction and focuses on basic rough carpentry. Students will learn how to construct floors, walls, ceilings, roofs, and stairs, as well as how to install doors and windows. Kyle was able to receive the NCCER Core certificate before beginning Carpentry training.
NCCER Core is a prerequisite to all other Level 1 craft curriculum. Its modules cover topics such as Basic Safety, Communication Skills, and Introduction to Construction Drawings. YouthBuild students are instructed from the recently released NCCER sixth edition. This edition will cover Core features such as an elective module introducing construction careers, more rigorous performance tests, and extensive updates on math, hand tools, power tools, and drawings. Completing this curriculum gives the trainee the basic skills needed to continue education in any craft area he or she chooses.
YOUTHBUILD STUDENTS SUPPORT SERVE THE CITY
YouthBuild students supported Serve the City by renovating a ramp for an elderly handicapped Newport News resident. Serve the City's mission is to see lives, neighborhoods, and cities transformed because everyone is serving! They want to see resources and the needs of the city and those who live there connected, through volunteer involvement that intentionally includes everyone. Their values consist of Humility, Compassion, Respect, Courage, and Love. The students were able to provide the tenant with hope by showing young adults have a passion for ensuring all Newport News residents regardless of socioeconomic status will get supported.
YOUTHBUILD STUDENTS' WORK WITH HABITAT FOR HUMANITY
Several YouthBuild students spent several days working with Habitat for Humanity. Many students participating in the YouthBuild Program have experienced unstable housing themselves, enduring evictions and frequent moves. They know the fear and stress a family feels when their income can't stretch to cover bills and rent, and oftentimes they have picked up extra jobs and helped raise siblings. Newport News YouthBuild students receive the opportunities of building homes alongside a certified construction Workforce. Habitat for Humanity Peninsula and Greater Williamsburg partners with area families, local government, businesses, faith groups, schools, associations, and individual volunteers and donors to build and renovate affordable homes for sale to qualifying families.
Quiero agradecer a todos los que han apoyado este programa y a sus estudiantes. El trabajo que hacemos hace una diferencia en la vida de nuestros estudiantes. Les deseo a todos una Feliz Navidad y Feliz Año Nuevo. Oro para que el 2022 traiga un número abundante de bendiciones para ustedes y sus hogares.
I want to thank everyone who has supported this program and its students. The work we do makes a difference in our students' lives. I wish everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. I pray that 2022 will bring a bountiful number of blessings to you and your homes.
LET'S GET THE WORD OUT TO THE COMMUNITY AT LARGE.
Commitment + Opportunity = Success
Blessings to all,
Daniel S. Carrera
Program Director of Newport News YouthBuild