Media Contact: Laura Byrnes, APR, CPRC
Communications Manager
Direct: 352.291.9559 Mobile: 352.816.1264
[email protected]
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Phoenix Rising YouthBuild rises again, receives $806K federal grant
Recruiting now under way for deserving young adults
OCALA, FLA. (Oct. 3, 2017) – After a three-year hiatus, the nationally-acclaimed Phoenix Rising YouthBuild program is once again recruiting deserving young adults for its next project in Marion County.
Phoenix Rising YouthBuild is an alternative education, community-based program that helps revitalize economically challenged neighborhoods while making a positive difference in the lives of at-risk 18- to 24-year olds.
Enrollment is now open for the YouthBuild slated to begin in January. Those interested in applying or learning more should call 352-732-1700, ext. 2293 or 800-434-JOBS, ext. 2293.
Through Phoenix Rising, participants receive 16 weeks of hands-on classroom training designed to develop workforce skills that lead to employment. They also receive weekly participation payments, support services and career counseling along with the opportunity to earn industry-recognized certificaitons in construction and other occupations.
A key feature of Phoenix Rising involves construction of homes for deserving families in partnership with Habitat for Humanity of Marion County.
Major funding for the program, which got its start in 2010 in Ocala, comes from a federal pre-apprenticeship grant obtained by CareerSource Citrus Levy Marion. Phoenix Rising, which received $806,000, is one of 77 nonprofit programs across 33 states – and one of just six in Florida — to receive $80.3 million in alternative education funding from the U.S. Department of Labor. The grants range from approximately $700,000 to $1.1 million
To date, 74 participants have taken part in Phoenix Rising YouthBuilds through a previous $1.1 million grant which also resulted in completion of six homes in Marion and Citrus counties. Additionally, 75 percent of Phoenix Rising YouthBuild graduates obtained employment or enrolled in postsecondary programs. The new grant will fund 48 more program participants and construction of four homes in Marion County over the next two years.
Phoenix Rising was the brainchild of then Ocala Police Chief Sam Williams. Pilot partners included the Ocala Police Department; Habitat for Humanity of Marion County; and CareerSource CLM and its young adult services provider, Eckerd Workforce Development.
In addition to Habitat for Humanity, CareerSource CLM and Eckerd Workforce Development, partners in the upcoming project include the City of Ocala, Marion County Board of County Commissioners, Marion County Sheriff’s Office and the Neighborhood Housing and Development Corporation.
Phoenix Rising YouthBuild has become a national model of what communities can build when working together. It has earned recognition from the Florida League of Cities, National League of Cities, Harvard’s School of Business, and has received Habitat for Humanity International’s highest honor, the Clarence E. Jordan Award for creativity and innovation in building homes and communities.
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CareerSource Citrus Levy Marion is an equal opportunity employer/program. Aids/services available upon request in Spanish and to those with disabilities; all phone numbers may be reached using TTY/TDD equipment via Florida Relay Service at 711. For accommodations, call 800-434-5627, ext. 7878 or email [email protected] at least three business days in advance. CareerSource CLM is a proud partner of the American Job Center network and member of CareerSource Florida.