2021 COMBAT Mid-Year Funding: $20,000.00

in Grace United Community Ministries’s Own Words

Our youth employment programs will offer opportunities to help disadvantaged youth gain the financial knowledge, skills and access to resources necessary to effectively manage finances through adulthood. The carefully crafted job descriptions will address a broad range of vocational skills. These opportunities will also engage youth in supportive and pro-social activities. The program will include job readiness training and other supports for youth who participate.

The nation’s economic crisis has deeply affected the lives of millions of Americans. Skyrocketing foreclosures and job layoffs have pulled the rug out from under many families, particularly those living in low-income communities. Deepening poverty is inextricably linked with rising levels of homelessness and food insecurity/hunger for many Americans and children are particularly affected by these conditions.

Poorer children and teens are also at greater risk for several negative outcomes such as poor academic achievement, school dropout, abuse and neglect, behavioral and socioemotional problems, physical health problems, and developmental delays.

When provided opportunities to develop skills that can lead to lead to real employment opportunities, children are seven times less likely to get involved in criminal activity.