The Advisory Committee of the Old Colony Y YouthBuild met on December 13, 2005 at Diman Regional Vocational High School Tea Room to assist in the formation of a Fall River program  The group will support the program by developing a local fundraising strategy to raise funds needed to supplement public funding. In addition, subcommittees will work on education and career development issues, while another group will be involved in providing internships and mentoring to the students. The Old Colony Y YouthBuild Fall River program is a member of the YouthBuild USA Affiliated Network. In YouthBuild Massachusetts programs, unemployed and undereducated young people, ages 16-24, work toward their GED or high school diploma while learning construction skills by building affordable housing for homeless and low-income people. Strong emphasis is placed on leadership development and community service. Participants spend 9 to 12 months in the program, dividing their time between the construction site and the YouthBuild alternative school. Students receive a stipend for their full-time participation. In addition, individual counseling, peer support groups, driver's license training, recreation, cultural activities, and additional opportunities for community service are integrated into their experience. Major emphasis is placed on providing opportunities for young people to develop their leadership abilities by making decisions affecting the program and its policies, and through involvement in community life. Click here to read the Herald News article.
 

(Top row) YouthBuild Director of State Policy Development Terry Moran meets with Advisory Committee members to describe the program and to answer questions. (Middle row) Plans for the third floor of the Municipal Veterans Memorial on Bank Street that will be used to house the program were displayed at the meeting. (Bottom row) Board members were given the chance to ask questions and offer their willingness to participate on the Development, Education, Media/Public Relations, Career Development, internship/Mentoring and Advocacy subcommittees. To join the Committee or for further information, contact Debi Kenney at Diman Regional Vocational Technical High School, 508-678-2891.