CRCD Celebrates City of Los Angeles Youthsource Center Opening in South Los Angeles

LOS ANGELES, September 26, 2017 (Newswire.com) - The Coalition for Responsible Community Development (CRCD) is proud to announce the grand opening of the Vernon-Central Network YouthSource Center, sponsored by the City of Los Angeles Economic and Workforce Development Department (EWDD), in Los Angeles Council District 9.

The new Vernon-Central Network YouthSource Center is overseen by EWDD and is one of 14 centers citywide that offer educational and career readiness services for disconnected youth ages 16 to 24 who are neither in school nor working. CRCD, in partnership with All Peoples Community Center and the Los Angeles Conservation Corps, operate the center. CRCD works with Clifford Beers Housing to operate the historic 28th Street YMCA, where the YouthSource will be housed, to bring free services to the area's most vulnerable.

I am delighted that we can implement services like those being offered at the Vernon-Central Network YouthSource Center because it positively impacts the lives of our young adults, giving them the tools and resources they need to fulfill their true potential.

Curren Price, Los Angeles City Councilman

"With almost one-third of the population in Council District 9 under the age of 18, it is imperative that we create programs our youth need to thrive," said Councilman Curren Price. "I am delighted that we can implement services like those being offered at the Vernon-Central Network YouthSource Center because it positively impacts the lives of our young adults, giving them the tools and resources they need to fulfill their true potential. I want our youth to know they are a priority and the City of Los Angeles is investing in you because you are critical to the stabilization of future generations."

YouthSource is a city-wide program open to young people ages 16-24. All services are free! 

Some of the opportunities our centers offer include:

●     High School Diploma Support
●     Paid Job Training
●     Access to Tutoring
●     Mentoring/Counseling
●     College Preparation
●     Job Skills Training
●     Career Exploration
●     Work Readiness

"As the City partner to the Vernon-Central Network YouthSource Center, we are very excited about the renewed resources for young people to get back in school, to strengthen their skill set and help them and their families feel supported," said EWDD General Manager Jan Perry.

Individuals who enroll in the program will have the opportunity to work with CRCD to develop a strategy to find a job and further their education through strong partnerships with key employers and post-secondary institutions. The Vernon-Central Network WorkSource Center on the LATTC campus is operated by CRCD and provides workforce training and job placement.

"We are very proud to partner with the City of Los Angeles Economic and Workforce Development Department to open the Vernon-Central Network YouthSource Center in South Los Angeles," commented Mark Wilson, Executive Director of CRCD. "The Vernon-Central Network was established in 2008 with support from the Pfaffinger Foundation to help our at-risk youth people develop job readiness skills and take the next steps in obtaining a job and becoming self-sufficient. Our long-time partnerships with All Peoples Community Center, LA Conservation Corps and Los Angeles Trade Tech have formed the Vernon-Central Network as we work toward our common goal of a stronger South Los Angeles."

Source: Coalition for Responsible Community Development