My City August 2022

MYOUTREACH

Left: This year, youth ages 13-17 are working on remodeling two houses learning window installation, siding, dry wall and more.

“It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men.” Frederick Douglass

“Our hope is to build a youth development training facility there,” Watkins reports. ey are currently working to clean up the property and remove all of the trash and debris. “Our goal is to construct a skilled trades curricu lum-based center to help youth get involved in skilled trades.” e Summer Youth Program has the support of local foundations and donors including the Charles Stewart Mott and Ruth Mott Foundations, Goyette Mechanical, e Parks Founda tion, D&W Windows, McNaughton McKay, Local 948, Kalakay Construction, Inc., William E. Walters, UAW Local 659, Real Estate for a Cause and Jachin Baptist Church.

And, the program is life-changing for the participants. “Over the last six years, the ABC program has impacted over 300 youth!”Wat kins exclaims. Learning a skilled trade gives them the opportunity to earn income with zero school debt, he adds, noting that there is a need for skilled trade workers with so many journeymen now of re tirement age. “If you like to work with your hands you can learn a skill, take it anywhere you want and earn an income.” Watkins says the words of Frederick Douglas ring very true: “It’s easier to build strong children than to repair broken men.” He adds, “Our goal is to help build and change our community, one child at a time.” ®

Active Boys in Christ Founder Pastor Derrick Watkins and wife Christine Watkins run the organization.

To volunteer or donate, visit activeboysinchrist.org Active Boys In Christ 2715 North Averill Ave., Flint Email: activeboysinchrist@gmail.com 810.391.2296

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