Who We Are
Youthbuild is a community of positive individuals dedicated to changing lives and offering those who qualify a second chance in making a difference in their lives as well as those with whom they are in contact . Youthbuild caters to the personal, social and academic growth of individuals.Youthbuild programs provide a pathway for young people to continue their education, be involved in skills training, entrepreneurship and personal development. The goal is to bring hope, optimize their potential so that they can impact the wider community.
We are an equal opportunity program who serves young adults between the ages of 18 and 24 to become productive leaders in the community. We want our participants to succeed and help others succeed.
Our Mission
Franklin County Youthbuild is a community of positive individuals who caters to youth who are in pursuit of personal growth, skills development and career exploration. Young people are exposed to mental toughness, personal care management and construction plus, as they seek to bring purpose to their personal lives, the lives of their families and the greater community.
Our Vision
To explore opportunities for youth so that they can pursue lifelong learning where they are self-motivated in their pursuit of knowledge which will lead them to become informed and empowered citizens.
Franklin County Youthbuild
The History
Franklin County YouthBuild is a family environment where staff offers personal counseling and emphasizes positive peer group interactions, leadership training and community service. The organization started in 2004 out of a need to address the needs of underprivileged youths in the Columbus area and its surroundings. The need came out of the high levels of crime and incarcerations in the city and the involvement of young people in these crimes. School drop-out is high and young people need direction.
Franklin County YouthBuild is a family environment where staff offers personal counseling and emphasizes positive peer group interactions, leadership training and community service. The organization started in 2004 out of a need to address the needs of underprivileged youths in the Columbus area and its surroundings. The need came out of the high levels of crime and incarcerations in the city and the involvement of young people in these crimes. School drop-out is high and young people need direction.
Franklin County YouthBuild mirrors YouthBuild USA that was founded by Dorothy Stoneman, a community worker from New York in 1978. The organization was founded in the need to improve the community, by taking back and renovating houses captured by drug dealers. YouthBuild USA extends to the broader youth and community development fields to diminish poverty in the USA and all over the world.
Youth Over Us
Youth Over Us manages the Franklin County YouthBuild Program. The mission is to promote social and educational development of disadvantaged youth and provide support for families with disadvantaged youth.
Programs
- Provide construction training to disadvantaged youth as part of a Department of Labour funded program
- Provide Cash assistance (Stipend) and non-cash assistance such as food aid and school supplies to Youthbuild participants and their families and other families in the area.
- Provide rural summer camp experience for disadvantaged youth.
Target Audience
Franklin County YouthBuild caters to youth between the ages of 18 and 24. We offer GED, High School Diploma, Construction, Construction Plus , Phlebotomy , EKG, and STNA. Students who complete all three of the health care components are awarded a Patient Care Management Certification.
Our Values
- Respect – treating others with politeness, consideration, thoughtfulness, and giving regard to feelings, wishes, rights or traditions of others.
- Loyalty – faithfulness to a cause, adherence to its principles
- Integrity– strong moral principles, honest, trustworthy
- Leadership– having a clear vision, courage and focus with the ability to help others succeed
- Self-motivation – an internal drive that pushes us to achieve, produce, develop and go on
- Empathy – having the ability to understand and share the feelings of others
- Coachable – willingness to listen to feedback, constructive criticism in order to improve.
Our Staff
Mr Mike Dean/ Executive Director
Mr. Dean has been with the Director of the company since 2009. In 2019 he took over the reigns as Executive Director. He is mandated with the task of managing the assets of the company, optimizing financial operations and providing leadership to all members of staff. He sets the tone of the company by establishing business goals, reporting to the Board of Directors and executing special business projects. He is the main contact with donors, sponsors and other stakeholders. He brings his vision, energy and focus to the company
Dr. Patricia Brown / Administrative Coordinator
The Administrative Coordinator analyses and improves office processes and policies, ensuring that the office operates seamlessly. She works with all other members of staff to ensure that students’ goals are achieved. She is the main point of contact between employees, external parties and internal departments. She collects and analyses feedback and ensures that the issues highlighted are addressed in a timely and professional manner.
Dr. Glenn Walter - Case Manager / Leadership Developer
The Case Manager provides one-on-one support services to at-risk and transition-age youth who are preparing to join the workforce. In doing his job, the Case Manager assesses the basic needs of each participant, identifies barriers to employment, develops an Individual Development Plan to address those barriers and coordinate services to help youth prepare for and secure living-wage jobs with a career path upon completion of the Youth Over Us – YouthBuild Franklin County Program.
Mr. Thomas Smith - Construction Manager
T h e construction Manager guides the students through a comprehensive Construction training Program. They are exposed to valuable skills for entry into successful careers in the building trades, addressing all aspects of general construction. On the construction site, students will rehabilitate affordable housing for low-income homeownership or rental. In the classroom, they will earn industry credentials that will open the doors to high quality jobs. Students gain knowledge in the tools and terminologies, practices and procedures, and roles and responsibilities of the construction trade, leading to industry-
Charleigh Jackson / Job Developer
The Job Developer networks in the private and public sectors to develop career-building opportunities for Youth Over Us – YouthBuild Franklin County students. The leader of this team, assists staff and students to identify and schedule career-related guest speakers, site visits, job shadow experiences and informational interviews.
Also included is the development of a job club, internship program, connecting students with viable job opportunities, working with employees to maximize student employment retention and success and network in the private and public sectors to promote awareness and enhance the reputation of the student services team. The Job Developer also walks students through the process of developing an IDP. This is where they create short term and long term personal, educational and career goals. Through bi-weekly meetings, students and staff work together to achieve the goals set out in their IDP.
As the Job Developer, relationships are created, follow-ups are done quarterly for a year following each participant exit to ensure progress as well as providing help where needed. The student’s success is a priority through YouthBuild and beyond.