MANCHESTER, N.H. – Last week, the Manchester Community Resource Center hosted a celebration at city hall in honor of its Summer Youth Empowerment Program.
Since 2008, the program has offered educational opportunities and jobs working in city parks to 27 young adults from low income families living in the city’s Neighborhood Revitalization Strategy Area.
This year’s program lasted from July 8 to August 15, paying $7.25 to $8.25 per hour.
“It’s been fantastic,” said Manchester Community Resource Center Executive Director Renie Denton. “Having these extra funds come into the house was amazing for them as family members, but it’s also great for the city when you look at all the trash they removed and the weeding and planting.
Hafsa Abo, a 14-year-old from Manchester Street was one of this year’s participants. In the past, she had helped her family with gardening, but had never been exposed to an opportunity where she could not only use those skills in a job, but also learn about jobs first-hand.
“Most of the staff was pretty young and we got a chance to work at an age where we might not work,” “This inspired program inspired me, because they taught us the ways of life and gave us an example of what a job is.
More information on the program is available at the Manchester Community Resource Center website.