Summer Youth Program

The 2009 Summer Youth Work Project was a partnership of the City of Madera, Madera County Workforce Investment Board and the Madera Redevelopment Agency. The primary purpose of the project was to provide construction-related employment skills to 18-24 year-old youth. The skills learned included the following:

• Removal of dilapidated fencing and preparation of site for new composite fencing.
• Installation of new composite fencing.
• Yard cleanup.
• Customer service and communication skills dealing with property owners.
• Surface preparation for primer and paint.
• Priming and painting structures.
• Proper care and maintenance of equipment used at job sites.

A second objective was to revitalize two of Madera's older, transitioning neighborhoods through the rehabilitation of owner-occupied homes. Most of the homes were occupied by senior citizens or persons with dissabilities who were physically unable to make the necessary improvements.

There were three unanticipated outcomes from the project. The first was the strong bond that was created between the property owners and the youth participants. This will last well beyond the end of the program. The second was the amount of pride the youth exhibited. Many of the participants brought their families by to show off their efforts. Finally, the project generated significant excitement among neighborhood residents, who are now interested in participating in revitalization efforts. This was truly a partnership that worked.