AmeriCorps Conference of Young Leaders: Spotlight on Eloy Martinez

Mile High Youth Corps is proud to announce that Eloy Gonzalez-Martinez and Lawrence Pham have been selected to attend the AmeriCorps Conference of Young Leaders in Washington, D.C.  March 18-21.  Before they left on Monday, Eloy gave us some insight into what he’s feeling:

It’s Friday, March 15th, 2013, and I am so excited because we are leaving for Washington, D.C. soon.  I am really happy and nervous at the same time.  I’m nervous about the fact that I’ve never been on a plane before, but with everyone’s encouragement, I feel like I’m ready for whatever is coming.  After joining Mile High Youth Corps, I’ve realized the potential that my teammates and I have.  I’ve had to step up to the plate so many times, giving tours and speeches with YouthBuild.  Going to D.C. should be no sweat, but I am human, so I am extremely nervous.  I guess I will always be nervous.  I’m just glad I’ve conquered my fear of doing new and important things.

On another note, I’m extremely excited to go to D.C.  I’ve personally never been to D.C., but everyone that I’ve told, including Corpsmembers, tell me great things about it.  They’ve even told me places that I should check out.  In particular, I’m excited about the restaurants.  As soon as one of them said there was a buffet, I was sold.  It made it sound like a dream come true.  It’s even more exciting when we start talking about all the different people we’re going to meet.  I’m fascinated to learn about other students’ environments and the differences between our program and others outside of Denver.

But, before I get to learn about new people, I first have to make it through the plane ride.  Some people told me some tricks to stay calm if I’m too nervous.  Others say it’s like riding a roller coaster.  Some tell me to get a window seat, because it looks like the land is nothing but squares.  I think that’s awesome because who wouldn’t want to see the world from the sky?  Overall, I’m extremely excited.  I can’t wait for this great and fun experience.

Stay tuned to hear all about Lawrence’s experience when they return!

Eloy with Lt. Governor Joe Garcia

The views expressed in our blog represent that of the individual and do not reflect the opinion of Mile High Youth Corps.

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YouthBuild Corpsmembers work to earn their GEDs

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YouthBuild USA was formed in 1990, based off the Youth Action Program developed by Dorothy Stoneman in East Harlem during the late 1970’s.   The organization’s mission is to “unleash the intelligence and positive energy of low-income youth to rebuild their communities and their lives.”  To do that, YouthBuild helps young adults get their GED while developing their construction skills and giving back to their community.  In a little over twenty years, 273 YouthBuilds have been established in 46 states.  Mile High Youth Corps’ YouthBuild program is the only one in the state of Colorado.  Since September, Corpsmembers have split their time between working one-on-one with subcontractors to learn a variety of construction skills (building, electrical work, plumbing, and more) and studying in the classroom as they make steps toward earning their GEDs.

To earn a GED, a person must take five tests in Reading, Writing, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies.  As of today, six Corpsmembers from the Mile High Youth Corps YouthBuild program have earned their GEDs, and every one of them is making great strides toward that achievement!  I recently spoke to three of our Corpsmembers about their progress toward getting their GED.  Vincent Martinoli, Dae’Mon Davis, and Angel Medina are all on their way to accomplishing their goal—Vincent passed his fourth test earlier this week, and both Dae’Mon and Angel only have two tests left to complete.

What made you join YouthBuild?

Vincent:  I wanted to get my GED and make money at the same time.
Angel:  I joined to get an education and for my daughter.

What has been the biggest challenge?

Dae’Mon: Being on the construction site and learning different trades.
Vincent:  Getting focused in the classroom because it’s been awhile since I had to do that.

What has been the most rewarding part of this experience?

Angel:  The sense of accomplishment.  I never had someone say “you did a good job” to me before.  Now I’ve been Corpsmember of the Month, and it means a lot to me.
Vincent:  Getting recognized for my work ethic.  I always knew I was a hard worker, but hearing that from my supervisors has been really rewarding.
Dae’Mon:  Taking steps toward the future and getting close to post-secondary education.

What do you plan to do after graduation?

Dae’Mon:  Work and go to college for business.
Angel:  Go to college or become a plumber.
Vincent:  Go to trade school.

All three of these Corpsmembers have helped to build affordable housing with the Denver Housing Authority while studying for their GED tests.  They have done a lot since their arrival in September, and we here at MHYC are proud of all they have accomplished and excited to see what they will do in the future!

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YouthBuild Promotion

After a lengthy application process which included numerous interviews, an orientation, 3 weeks of Mental Toughness, and 1 week of training, we are excited to announce that we have promoted 36 new YouthBuild Corpsmembers! We are very proud of the hard work and commitment our new YouthBuild Corpsmsmbers have made over the past few weeks. We are also very excited to see all of our Corpsmembers make an impact around our community, grow their job skills, and work toward earning their GED or Diploma. Congratulations to all of our new YouthBuild Corpsmembers! Below are several pictures from Mental Toughness and Training week.

Meeting Denver City Councilman Paul D. Lopez

Working hard cleaning up our water systems.

Spending time the classroom.

Even more work in the classroom.

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YouthBuild Hiring Wrap-up!

July 31st was the final orientation for our YouthBuild program and we are happy to announce that we have an amazing group of candidates that will be invited to orientation in the next couple weeks. Of the 400+ applicants to the YouthBuild program this year, only 200 made it to this part of the process, so each candidate who was invited to orientation should be proud of this accomplishment.

Next up for the chosen candidates is Mental Toughness, which will begin on August 13th. For 4 weeks, prospective Corpsmembers will have the opportunity to learn new skills, demonstrate their desire to be a part of the Youthbuild program, and participate in an intensive training course.

After Mental Toughness, we will be sure to introduce you to our latest class of MHYC YouthBuild Corpsmembers so check back!

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From the Roads of Life Brings the Class of 2012…

For most of this program there have been a lot of factors to bring this class together. Through The Life maps Activity, we shared our own personal experiences and discovered that we have a lot more in common then we knew. This shared experience helped us see and relate to what other team members have been through.

Over 40 people were selected from many applicants; we had gained a chance to show what we were made of in Mental Toughness. PT was one that would push us to limits many didn’t know they could meet. During this time, we received CPR/First Aid Training to show them we were ready for emergencies. In addition, we learned the steps to having a safe job/construction site through OSHA Training. After Mental Toughness we 36 stand strong ready to make ourselves and our communities better.

Since we’ve begun this program, we have been dividing our time between shop and school. Out of those selected, we’ve been divided into The Youthbuild groups of The Artisans and The Mechanics. These groups alternate between the shop and the classroom. Every week we’re either in the classroom working toward our GED or in the shop working on our construction skills. Now with all that we have gained and will be gaining, we are ready to pull through the program, with our GED and all the skill we have gathered. One step more ready for life despite the highs and lows (more highs hopefully)!
~TeQuael Walker, YouthBuild CorpsMember ’12

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In Case You Missed YouthBuild Graduation…

Here is the slideshow! Congratulations Graduates!

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YouthBuild USA: The Conference of Young Leaders

Two of our YouthBuild Corpsmembers attended the YouthBuild National Youth Leaders Conference in Washington, D.C. this month. Kenny Luckes and Sharmine Chapman joined a little more than 100 other delegates from other programs across the nation to discuss the national YouthBuild movement. Participants in the conference go to workshops and forums that focus on career development, cultural competence and healthy relationships.

During this time in D.C., the conference holds an election for participants to join the National Young Leaders Council. John Kerry’s staff, Toni Wilson from DOL, and White House staff representing the Council of Community Solutions were present to hear all the speeches given. Founder and President of YouthBuild USA, Dorothy Stoneman said, “The delegate from Denver blew everything out of the water, having written and memorized a marvelous speech and then delivering it in perfect tune with his audience.”
After giving his speech, our own Kenny Luckes was voted in to serve on the council! He will join other current students and alumni of the YouthBuild program to be the voice for all of the YouthBuild movement on a national stage. Congratulations Kenny and good luck!

Sharmine and Kenny and all their fellow delegates got the opportunity to provide information about YouthBuild and all of its positive qualities to Capitol Hill. Dorothy Stoneman was quoted stating that the 23rd Annual Conference of Young Leaders had, “marvelous representatives, who bonded with each other, with the YouthBuild movement, and won the hearts on Capitol Hill.” Seems from the pictures that Kenny and Sharmine had a great trip and left their mark for the YouthBuild community!

Listen to Kenny’s video blog to hear more about his trip and his experience with YouthBuild at Mile High Youth Corps.

Listen to Sharmine sing!! She has got an incredible voice!

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Poets of YouthBuild

What’s up? The name’s Hector, but people call me Mr. Garza and I am in this wonderful outreach group for people 18-24 called the Mile High Youth Corps’ YouthBuild.

Now there are two things I would say that stick out about this program, and that is the people and the poetic side of these people, my fellow Corpsmembers. Now from the first glance these people could seem goofy and not have a poetic bone in their body, but don’t be fooled, they do, and with a very beautiful and talented instructor named Noel teaching the YouthBuild, we will continue to open up and tell our poetic stories.

Here are some poems to enlighten you with

Life cannot be stopped. By Hector Garza

Life cannot be stopped
Even off a cliff it cant be dropped
It cannot be bought
Like in a gift shop
But know my life’s about hip hop
And only one chance at this shot
Is to live and get to the top

Life’s questions . By Hector Garza
Why so much pain in life? Why do we live like this?
Why is nothing ever said until it’s too late?
When is it time to make a difference?
How’s this difference going to affect me?
I want to help everybody
But who feels the same?
Why so much negativity?
I guess this is life

-Hector Garza, YouthBuild Corpsmember

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Interviews with YouthBuild Corpsmembers

Hi, my name is Torrey, and a month ago I became a YouthBuilder along with 34 other people. I was able to interview five of them.

YouthBuild Corpsmembers Dustin, Polo and Niabi hanging outside of the YouthBuild office.

The first person I talked with was Harrison. I asked him how he has liked the program and what he likes about it. Harrison replied, “I like the program. It’s a lot of fun but I enjoy working in the shop a little more because I like building things.”
I asked Cody the same question and he had this to say, “I think the program is alright. I like being back in class and getting my G.E.D. and getting paid for it is pretty cool, too.”

After I talked to Cody I went to talk to Dustin. He felt this way, “I like the program because it’s helping me get my G.E.D. and money for college so I can have a better life down the road.” I agree with Dustin.

Then I went to speak with a very outspoken woman, Niabi. She told me this, “I like the program because it’s paying kids to get the education they should already have. It’s the proper type of motivation to help those who have had hard times make a positive and permanent change for their lives.” She has a good point.

I finally went to talk to lucky number five, a very positive and generous guy, Polo. He had to say this, “I don’t like this program… I love it and everything about it, from my staff to my peers. It is a place I can gain Job Readiness Training skills and further my education in many ways all because of MHYC.”

I agree fully with everything my fellow YouthBuilders have said and that MHYC is changing lives.

-Torrey Frese, YouthBuild Corpsmember

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YouthBuild Construction Site

Hi, my name is Gerardo Granillo. I am a Mile High Corpsmember. I’m part of the YouthBuild team. I’ve been working and going to school for the last month. And it is going great so far.

In the construction shop we are learning how to measure, hammer in some nails, and use some power tools. For some of us this is new. One of the things I like about the construction shop is that we get to work with different types of power tools and wood.

Right now, we’re learning how to build and frame walls, windows, and doors. That’s a cool skill to have for the future. Another thing that we did in the shop was learn about solar panels. We learned how to assemble the panels on a demo roof and how they worked. This is us assembling one at the shop.

-Gerardo Granillo, YouthBuild Corpsmember

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