As part of DCYF’s Strategic and Racial Equity Plan, the agency forms strategic partnerships to successfully transition youth into adulthood. A successful transition prepares youth for independence through education, employment, life skills, strong relationships, and more. Through DCYF’s partnership with ANEW, we’re accomplishing this for youth in Juvenile Rehabilitation (JR).
ANEW improves lives by providing quality training, employment navigation, and supportive services that lead to successful family-wage careers. ANEW offers high-quality, pre-apprenticeship training programs that help young people at Green Hill School, Naselle Youth Camp, and Echo Glen Children’s Center obtain careers in construction trades. The ANEW program provides classroom instruction and real-world application of multiple construction trades. Participants have an opportunity to earn four industry-recognized certificates, including OSHA 10, Flagger, Forklift, and ANEW Certificate of Completion. As ANEW graduates, youth receive direct or preferred entry into a construction apprenticeship program, placement assistance, and retention services for two years.
“This is one of the few programs to set people up for careers when they are out [of JR] instead of being on the streets with no skill set. I built relationships with the instructors and feel like I have a family to support me when I am out,” said Green Hill resident Josiah.
DCYF is fortunate to have partners that are invested in ensuring the youth in the agency’s care gain the skills and experience needed to successfully transition into adulthood and flourish.