YouthBuild Program
Empowering the next generation, our YouthBuild Program provides young adults with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the workforce. This program combines education, job training, and community service, creating a path towards employment and self-sufficiency for our youth.
Program Overview
The Huntsville Housing Authority YouthBuild program serves youth ages 16-24 who are out of work and have not obtained their GED or high school diploma. This program allows individuals the opportunity to become productive members of their community. In addition to placing emphasis on building educational and job readiness skills, YouthBuild HHA focuses on leadership development, mental health awareness, community service and creating a positive environment that is geared towards personal growth and development. Students are able to earn a bi-weekly stipend during the course of the eight month program.
Upon successful completion of the YouthBuild program, each cohort will have a graduation ceremony where each graduate will receive an additional stipend.
Community Resources and Supportive Services
Participants enrolled in YouthBuild HHA have access to community resources such as counseling and referrals for childcare, transportation and/or any other barriers that may arise. Our Champion staff understands the importance of meeting the needs of the underserved youth population. The YouthBuild HHA program offers all participants the supportive services that are necessary to overcome barriers. The program is also equipped to provide life skills training, mentoring, a daily use and professional dress clothing closet, as well as other incentives.
WHAT HHA YOUTHBUILD OFFERS
- Adult Education
- Apprenticeships and Internships
- Follow-Up Assistance
- Incentives
- Job Placement and Training Assistance
- Leadership Development
- Life Skills and Employability Workshops
- National Center for Construction Education and
- Research (NCCER), Certification
- Advanced Manufacturing Certification
- Supportive Services
Program Benefits
High School Equivalency
Participants prepare for the GED. The curriculum integrates academics with life skills.
Community Service
Participants engage in community service projects that equip them with knowledge to advocate on issues within their communities.
Leadership Development
Participants will have the opportunity to gain a profound work ethic in addition to leadership skills that will advance their career and leadership opportunities.
Construction Pathway
YouthBuild HHA offers hands-on construction skills training. This skills training is available to students not only inside of the classroom, but on an actual construction site as well. Our YouthBuild trainees have the opportunity to gain paid apprenticeships from local companies here in the Huntsville area. In addition, students are able to earn a National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) certification.
Construction+ Pathway
YouthBuild HHA offers hands-on manufacturing skills training. Students are able to earn an advanced manufacturing skill training certification. The Manufacturing Skill Standards Council (MSSC) certification allows participants to gain hands-on experience through apprenticeship training from local automotive manufacturing companies in the Huntsville area.
Program Eligibility
Youth between the ages of 16-24 who did not complete high school and/or have not received their high school diploma or GED. Participants must also identify with one or more of the following groups:
● Adjudicated youth
● Homeless
● Incarcerated parent
● Low-income household
● Migrant youth
● Youth aging out of foster care
● Youth with a disability
Age Requirement
Must be between the ages of 16-24. Males between the ages of 18-24 must register with Selective Service.
Education Eligibility
Youth who have not received their high school diploma or GED. YouthBuild HHA allows participants the opportunity to not only obtain their GED, but also provides youth the opportunity to engage in advanced numeracy, literacy skill-building, and hands-on learning. The Huntsville Housing Authority YouthBuild program offers these opportunities through partnerships with local community colleges and educational centers.
Youthbuild Director
Jackualyn Deanes serves as the Project Director of the Huntsville Housing Authority YouthBuild Program. She holds dual degrees (Bachelor of Arts and Master) from Alabama A&M University, specializing in Social Work. Her professional background encompasses roles within Huntsville City Schools and the Special Programming Achievement Network Program (SPAN) as a Behavioral Specialist intern. With over twelve years of experience in the social service sector, Mrs. Deanes has fulfilled various roles such as Basic Residential, Independent Living, Crisis Residential, and Foster care in-home youth social worker for Harris Home for Children. Additionally, she has served as an AbilityOne Coordinator for Phoenix Services, aiding individuals with disabilities and those battling substance abuse. Jackualyn Deanes has dedicated herself to enhancing the lives of at-risk and underserved adolescents, individuals in poverty, and youth in foster care.
Joining the Huntsville Housing Authority in July 2022 as the Project Director for the YouthBuild Program, Jackualyn continues her commitment to advocating for disadvantaged youth, particularly in Madison County. Beyond her professional achievements, which include extensive community volunteering and advocacy, she currently holds a position on the Huntsville City School Desegregation Advisory
Committee Board.
Primary funding by U.S.Department of Labor. 1.5 Million Grant Recipient
HHA YOUTHBUILD OFFICE
Jackualyn Deanes, MSW
HHA YouthBuild Director
jdeanes@hsvha.org
Phone: 256-797-9008
LaShundra Orum
YouthBuild HHA Case Manager
Lorum@hsvha.org
256-797-8967
Derrick Chatterton
YouthBuild HHA Construction Trainee Manager
dchatterton@hsvha.org
256-441-3150
Reginald Robinson
YouthBuild HHA Job Developer
RRobinson@hsvha.org
(256) 797-8661
CONNECT WITH YOUTHBUILD ON SOCIAL
IG: Youthbuild_hha
Tiktok :Youthbuild_hha
Connect With Us
200 Washington St. NE
Huntsville, Al 35801
Mon – Fri: 7:00 am – 5:00 pm
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