Our Programs
We are proud to serve Massachusetts youth in ten locations. Each program features its' own independent initiatives, but all are united in their commitment to the young people in their area. Their unique partnerships with local organizations in their regions tailor each program to best serve the young people in their communities.
Our students keep a positive attitude on the work site.
Metro Boston: Boston, Cambridge/Chelsea, Quincy
YouthBuild Boston, Inc.
Launched in 1990, YouthBuild Boston (YBB) was the first replication of the YouthBuild model outside of New York. More than 800 young people have graduated, completing 80 units of affordable housing. YBB has now adopted sustainable design and building practices, and in 2009, students completed a two-unit, ground-up project that attained LEED Gold Certification. The Designery, YBB's after school architecture workshop, covers related topics for teens who are still in high school, challenging them to solve problems and see from new perspectives.
Just-A-Start YouthBuild Cambridge/Chelsea
YouthBuild Just-A-Start has just started a new educational pathway where students can study to become a Certified Nursing Assistant. While they still maintain construction components for all students, those who wish may study to become a part of the medical workforce. This initiative is possible through a grant from the city of Cambridge, and has been met with enthusiasm from current Just-A-Start students.
Training Resources of America, Inc. YouthBuild Quincy
Since its inception in 2001, YouthBuild Quincy, sponsored by Training Resources of America, Inc. has enabled over 210 young people to help renovate low-income housing owned by the Quincy Housing Authority. YouthBuild Quincy has recently published Quincyopoly, a local version of the classic board game, which has garnered the support of over 70 local businesses and organizations and helped to sustain the Quincy YouthBuild program.
Graduates at YouthBuild Quincy, September 2009
Northern Massachusetts: Lawrence, Lowell
Lawrence Youth Commission YouthBuild Lawrence
YouthBuild Lawrence resides at the historic Orange Wheeler House in Lawrence, complete with an attached carriage house which is used for GED classes and used by the community for meetings and functions. The building was renovated by YouthBuild students and has been deemed a historic landmark by the City of Lawrence. It is also on the Massachusetts register for Historic places.
Community Teamwork, Inc. YouthBuild Lowell
This year YouthBuild Lowell has taken in eighty new students, making it the largest program in the Coalition. Through their strong ties to other community organizations, YouthBuild Lowell is beginning construction and rehabilitation on a vacant family shelter building, owned and operated by Community Teamwork Inc. The shelter is utilized by homeless families in the Lowell and Greater Lowell area.
Graduates at YouthBuild Lowell, June 2009
Southern Massachusetts: Brockton, Fall River, New Bedford
Old Colony YMCA YouthBuild Fall River
YouthBuild Fall River has become a leader in the Green economy. With the help of a Green Capacity Building grant from the Department of Labor, YBFR is setting up a manufacturing facility that will employ graduates in making "Green" products. LED lights and Advanced Energy Panels will be the first products assembled. Students from the program constructed the factory for this project. The first LED light produced entirely in the United States is on display at the YouthBuild Fall River office. Read more about YBFR efforts on the Massachusetts Recovery website.
Old Colony YMCA YouthBuild Brockton
YouthBuild Brockton has developed a close relationship with Massasoit Community College. Through a grant from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Brockton has become one of seven pilots nationally for the new Pathways to Higher Education program. Massasoit Community College is one of the destinations for YouthBuild Brockton students upon completion of the YouthBuild program.
PACE, Inc. YouthBuild New Bedford
YouthBuild New Bedford is the Coalition forerunner on the process of weatherization, or making houses more energy efficient. The main clients of YB New Bedford weatherization and energy audits are low-income families. In addition, this program has pioneered a new initiative with the city of New Bedford -- to provide ongoing services to the community in the form of restoration and maintenance of abandoned city lots.
YouthBuild Fall River students at the groundbreaking for their newest construction project-- an energy efficient house.
Western and Central Massachusetts: Springfield and Worcester
YWCA YouthBuild Springfield
YouthBuild Springfield is the only program which requires 51% of its' participants to be female. YouthBuild Springfield offers job training, education, counseling and leadership development opportunities to unemployed and out-of-school young adults betwen the ages of 17 and 24.
Training Resources of America, Inc. YouthBuild Worcester
YouthBuild Worcester is proud to have helped build or reconstruct 11 housing units sold to low-income, first-time home-buyers and rehabilitated 207 low-income apartments in the community since 1999. Over 175 young people have worked on these projects. Worcester continues to collaborate with it's parent organization, Training Resources of America, Inc. to help young people achieve their full potential.
YouthBuild Boston helped spruce up the Dimmock Community Health Center
