Monday, Aug. 11, 2008

Housing authority honors teens

Eighteen of Columbia’s most promising youths have been recognized for their commitment to gaining work experience.

The Columbia Housing Authority recognized the group’s members during its 2008 Summer Youth Employment Program recognition breakfast Friday.

CHA honored the 18 teenagers — all public housing or Section 8 rental residents — who spent their summer working in full-time positions at the agency to gain work experience and explore career options.

Honored were Chandlier Abraham, James Avinger, Marquis Bacote, Chardonnay Cannon, Adrianna Cosby and Ronneria Farmer.

Also recognized were Christopher Garmon, Brittney Green, Whitney Green, Michael Hampton, Brittney Hunter and Bruce Hunter.

Rounding out the list were Isaiah James, Tashianna Lee, Terell Magazine, Matthew Mickens, Rashad Rodgers and Kyari Williams.

The Summer Youth Employment Program runs from June through early August and is designed to help CHA residents between 16 and 18 overcome obstacles that often cause families to need housing assistance.

During the nine-week program, participants were assigned to supervisors in administration, maintenance, Section 8 and other CHA departments and worked 40 hours each week performing clerical and support duties.

“Many of our young people come to us with no work experience and no employed adult in the home to serve as a role model,” said Gilbert Walker, CHA executive director. “This program is important because our staff not only serve as working role models, but they also teach the youth basic job skills while providing guidance on how to behave in a professional environment.”

In addition to the work requirements, participants also attended weekly training sessions on topics including etiquette, life skills and building healthy relationships. Other sessions featured a tour of area colleges and a visit from military recruiters.

The Columbia Housing Authority is the third-oldest housing authority in the nation. It manages more than 2,000 conventional public housing units and administers more than 3,100 rental assistance contracts throughout Richland County.