Kaptur Announces $1.1 Federal YouthBuild Award To Berea-Based OhioGuidestone

Congresswoman Kaptur announced a $1.1 million federal award to Berea-based OhioGuidestone for workforce and community development programs for young people in Cuyahoga County.

"Congratulations to OhioGuidestone for winning this competitive federal award," said Congresswoman Kaptur, who supported the grant application. "We need to support organizations such as OhioGuidestone that have proven track records of helping at-risk youth escape the cycle of poverty."

YouthBuild is a workforce and community development program that serves youth ages 16-24, focusing on high school dropouts who might be aging out of foster care or have disabilities.

The program uses a dual program model that combines academic instruction and occupational skills training. The objective for the client is to obtain a high school diploma or GED. Participants receive an opportunity to gain industry-recognized employee skills, particularly in the construction industry.

The award to Guidestone, Congresswoman Kaptur said, was part of a second round of YouthBuild competition that allows the expansion of occupational skills training beyond construction and into other in-demand sectors.
The expanded training, known as Construction Plus, will focus on in-demand occupations within the healthcare, computer technology and advanced manufacturing sectors. Programs must also demonstrate the integration of leadership development and community service to ensure that youth maintain a connection to their local community through service learning and volunteerism.
Guidestone, formerly the Berea Children's Home and Family Services, will celebrate its 150th anniversary next year. The social service organization was founded in 1864 as the German Methodist Orphan Asylum, which was dedicated to providing shelter for Civil War orphans and care for neglected, dependent or abandoned children.

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