YouthBuild graduates enjoy big day

SUN HERALD

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LONG BEACH — A YouthBuild Class of International Relief and Development US on Thursday presented keys to a new house to Lorena Harris of Long Beach, who lost her home in Hurricane Katrina.

Harris provided the construction materials for the home. Volunteer groups joined YouthBuild to complete the new home.

Thursday evening, the YouthBuild class held its commencement ceremony at the Long Beach Community Center after completing a nine-month program. Many graduates will move into junior college or trade schools or pursue employment opportunities created by their training.

IRD began a Mental Toughness program Monday to prepare a new group of students for the next YouthBuild class. The IRD US YouthBuild program is designed to help at-risk youth learn a trade, while teaching them leadership, community service and teamwork.

The program is targeted for individuals ages 16-24. It provides participants with GED training and testing, construction employment skills training and national construction certification, OSHA certification, personal development planning, Youth Leadership and Youth Mentoring programs, assistance with secondary education and community service projects.