News And Stories
Eleven new trainees build their futures
November 2007
Eleven new YouthBuild participants completed orientation and have started working on a variety of housing construction projects in North Minneapolis. Tree Trust's program offers low-income, un- or under-employed young adults the opportunity to learn construction skills, earn a paycheck and finish high school, all with the focused support of crew leaders, counselors, teachers and other program staff.
These eleven YouthBuilders are divided into two groups, the Kings and the Northsiders, and spend alternating weeks working on projects and going to school. On their project weeks, the participants work with Tree Trust staff to complete employment readiness and construction training. On their school weeks, they attend Minnesota Internship Center (MNIC) to focus on completing high school and getting their diplomas.
Stephanie Lund, a Tree Trust Employment Counselor, describes the comprehensive nature of this program: "The YouthBuild program incorporates schooling, counseling, leadership development and a community focus."
Community focus is a big factor. Participants build or renovate houses in their neighborhoods so that low-income families can live in well-made homes. In the process, they improve their work habits, strengthen their life skills and build themselves a brighter future.
These eleven participants are the third group of young adults to enter our YouthBuild program. Members of the first group (pictured left) graduated after building a brand new house at 1314 15th Ave. N. in Minneapolis, and members of the second group are doing construction work. Even participants who did not officially graduate have experienced positive change. Lund believes that the program shows them "what they are actually capable of doing in and with their lives."
Tree Trust, MNIC, Urban Homeworks, our housing partner, and YouthBuild USA all want these young adults to succeed and thrive. Tammy Dickinson, Program Director for Participants, stresses that "the number of caring and dedicated staff involved in the program make a big difference. The program includes a teacher, counselor, crew leader, construction trainer and director - all of whom connect with the youth on a regular basis (most daily)."
Because the program lasts a year, staff are able to form deeper relationships with participants. Dickinson noted, "Although work is the focus, youth also start to open up about the other aspects of their lives and the more we know the more we can understand and make resource and support connections." For Dickinson, learning more about the participants has given her "a whole new perspective on North Minneapolis life."
Tree Trust
2350 Wycliff Street Suite 200
Saint Paul, MN 55114
Phone: 651-644-5800
Fax: 651-644-1469
