International Relief & Development Launches Youth Build Program

The program helps high risk men and women between the ages of 16 and 24 get on track for a successful career. The nine month education and construction training program will leave participants ready to take the G.E.D. and apply for a construction job. Habitat for Humanity will assist in the hands on construction training and with funding the program. The Department of Labor is funding the majority of the program, with a focus on G.E.D. readiness and construction training.

Pamela Broussard, Manager of Finance and Administration for I.R.D., says, “We have been in existence since right after Katrina. I.R.D. actually came down after Katrina to help rebuild and repair homes, and then we realized there was more need, so they actually changed that focus to help with the youth currently, and we are actually entering our 4th grant, so this is our 7th class that’s actually starting. So we’ve helped over 200 youth on the Gulf Coast since after Katrina.”

Candidates can sign up at I.R.D.’s office at 9414 Three Rivers Road, Suite 1, or on November 12th for the first day of training at the Orange Grove Community Center. The 32 candidates selected will receive a stipend during the nine month program.