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Sixteen More Complete YouthBuild Program
Special to The Truth
Sixteen Toledo youth received their certificates of
completion on July 11 at the YouthBuild program completion
recognition at Wilson Park.
Of the 16, nine received special recognition for their work
during the program. Gary Osley received the Construction
Award for having made the most strides from beginning to end
of the Program. The Education Award went to Darrell Williams
while the Leadership Award was given to Charles Phoenix and
Chennel Smith earned the Most Improved Award.
Smith, who was in the hospital, listened to the recognition
activities via a SmartPhone. Two participants earned the
Community Service Award. This award went to Jeremy Branham
and Destin Williams. The Staff Award also went to two
participants: Hayley Gonzales and William Moore.
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Student Jeremy Branham, Community Service Liaison Nathan
Sanders, Student Destin Williams
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Others who completed the program are Laura Buard, Ke’Montez
Collins, Montana Dean, Rakeya Dubose, Ashley Joyner,
Kimberly Lewis, and Mahlon Wyatt. Montana Dean gave the
Program Reflection.
“I have a deep respect for each of you with respect to your
struggles,” said Lorna Gonsalves, PhD, a former instructor
at Bowling Green State University. “I am deeply touched by
your stories and I wish you well.”
Gonsalves was the keynote speaker and wrote a poem honoring
the participants which she shared with them. She has worked
with youth on various projects and said she plans to
continue assisting with the program.
The youth participated in
the rehabilitation of primarily the Carriage House at 1026
Huron Street in the historic district of Toledo. As part of
the renovations, they learned about carpentry, plumbing,
painting, dry-walling, and other construction skills.
In addition to the construction skills, they also receive
certificates in CPR/First Aid training as
well as from the Ohio Health and Safety Administration
(OSHA), and a leadership certificate in the Six Pillars of
Character leadership.
YouthBuild, a federally funded program, is operated in
partnership with United North of Toledo, Big Brothers/Big
Sisters,
Northwest Ohio
Construction Education Center and 10 other local
organizations. |
