YouthBuild

In 2001, Swope Community Builders initiated YouthBuild in Kansas City, Mo. YouthBuild provides unemployed young men and women with a GED and life-skills training, hands-on construction experience, leadership training and counseling services. Participants spend alternate weeks on job sites and in the classroom while they earn livable wages. YouthBuild’s goal is to help young people with troubled lives learn the value of skills that will help them succeed, and to help them understand the value of contributing to their community.

In a little over five years, more than 65 young people have graduated from YouthBuild. Students have rehabilitated two homes, built five new homes, constructed more than 45 tool sheds, and completed concrete and carpentry work for residential development organizations including Habitat for Humanity. Many of the program's graduates have been placed with construction companies. Graduates receive follow-up support and guidance for at least a year following program completion.

For more information about this program please call (816) 627 2140.