CITY’S YOUTHBUILD PROGRAM WINS TWO AWARDS

The City’s successful YouthBuild Honolulu program has received two recognition awards from YouthBuild USA, a national organization that promotes job training and other opportunities for youthful ex-offenders who are committed to a productive future.

Honolulu’s program, funded by the U.S. Department of Labor and administered by the City’s Department of Community Services, won awards for Highest Attendance and Highest Program Completion in 2007. The awards were presented today at a news conference in Honolulu Hale attended by Mayor Mufi Hannemann and dozens of program participants.

“I’m very proud of the impressive strides these young people have made to improve their lives and become responsible and productive members of our community,” Mayor Hannemann said. “We are deeply committed to providing such opportunities for youths who need and deserve a second chance.”

Earlier this year, America’s Promise Alliance designated Honolulu as a winner of its 2008 100 Best Communities for Young People, based in part programs such as YouthBuild.   Mayor Hannemann and First Lady Gail Mukaihata Hannemann received the award in Washington, D. C. from Alma Powell, wife of General Colin Powell and chair of the Alliance.

YouthBuild programs aim to reduce recidivism among young offenders who are motivated to overcome past mistakes and change their lives in a supportive environment. According to YouthBuild USA, the recidivism rate for ex-offenders who complete the YouthBuild program is a stunningly low 15 percent, compared to a national recidivism rate of 67 percent.

Contact: Bill Brennan, 527-6928