YouthBuild Evansville to Host Community Open House

An Evansville nonprofit will soon host an open house to showcase their valuable programs and community partners.

READ MORE: Evansville Non-Profit Hosting a Fun Community Back to School Bash

Not everyone is born into an ideal situation. Many struggle to discover their place in this world, as finding encouragement and motivation to do so is not always easy. That said, there is help for those struggling to build a life for themselves, and it's a lot closer than you might think. For over 40 years, YouthBuild has been mentoring youth in the United States, leading to the establishment of more than 280 programs around the world. In fact, one of those chapters is located right here in Evansville, Indiana.

What is YouthBuild Evansville?

The organization offers area youth a comprehensive program that encompasses job placement, education, construction training, and mentorship to help young people rebuild their lives and communities. The YouthBuild Program in Evansville has been around since the early 2000s and currently partners with several other community organizations to assist area youth.

"It really is incredible," said Jennifer Burke, Evansville YouthBuild Program Manager. "YouthBuild serves youth ages 16-24 who do not have a high school equivalent. We look at low-income youth, those who have been in foster care or who are in foster care, and those with incarcerated parents."

YouthBuild Evansville Success Story

I recently had the opportunity to speak with one of the lead mentors of the program, Vivica Chinn, who herself graduated from YouthBuild in 2022. With her firsthand experience, Chinn has been able to help other young people in the community reach their full potential. She described the program as life-changing.

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"When I came to YouthBuild, the staff really helped change my mind and bring me to realize that I have purpose, I have worth, and that I can get somewhere. That's why I'm here today. I never expected to be where I am today, and I'm very grateful for the YouthBuild Program," Chinn said.

YouthBuild Evansville to Host Open House

YouthBuild Evansville will host a community open house this week for those looking to learn more about the program. The open house will be held from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. on Thursday, August 15th, at 1321 Edgar St. in Evansville. In addition to staff from YouthBuild, the organization will also welcome several of their community partners.

"People will be able to look at our facilities, talk to our staff, and find out more about the program," Burke said. "We have 16 community resource organizations who will also be there, so anyone who may have some barriers that they need to address can probably find a lot of answers there as well."

YouthBuild Evansville is funded by the Department of Labor and the City of Evansville, but donations are always welcome. Burke added that gift cards are a great way to support the mission, as they are used as incentives for young folks enrolled in the program. For questions about donations, contact Jennifer Burke at (812) 203-4413.