Vernon-Central Workforce Development Network Celebrates 5 Years of Empowering Youth

June 6, 2013 - PRLog -- On Tuesday, June 11th, the Vernon-Central Workforce Development Network (http://www.coalitionrcd.org/departments.html) (VCN) will celebrate 5 years of empowering & training young adults for 21st century careers.  The celebration will occur at the VCN City of Los Angeles YouthSource Center (1006 East 28th Street, Los Angeles, CA 90011) from 9:30 am to 11:00 am.  This event will highlight the accomplishments of VCN  over the past 5 years, as well as the first year of services at the VCN City of Los Angeles YouthSource Center.  

VCN is a collaborative of community organizations which includes All Peoples Community Center (http://www.allpeoplescc.org/), Coalition for Responsible Community Development (http://www.coalitionrcd.org/), Los Angeles Conservation Corp (http://www.lacorps.org/)s and Los Angeles Trade Technical College (http://www.lattc.edu/).  According to LA Conservation Corps Executive Director, Bruce Saito, “We are service providers, capacity builders and educational institutions that  work in unison to improve life opportunities for young people in the Vernon-Central community which we all serve.   Our collaboration is built on a definition of 'workforce development' that includes economic development, education, social service, civic engagement and community organizing strategies.”

Since its inception in 2009, VCN has served 355 young people aged 17-25.  During a time when unemployment rates have risen, VCN has been successful in improving the quality of life for young adults in the Vernon-Central neighborhood by providing employment training, education, and comprehensive supportive services.  Saundra Bryant, Executive Director of All Peoples Community Center (APCC) attributes VCN's success rate to its comprehensive approach to the issue of youth unemployment.  According to Ms. Bryant, “young people who enter the VCN program receive much more than job training.  VCN partners provide case management, coaching, educational support, on-the-job training, and anything else that they need to be successful.  We do whatever it takes and we will not give up on these youth.”  

The Vernon-Central Workforce Development network is also celebrating the successful first year of operations of the VCN City of Los Angeles YouthSource Center.  Housed in the Historic 28th Street YMCA, this center opened in 2012 as a resource for young people seeking education, training, jobs, and careers.  It is part of a citywide network of YouthSource Centers which is coordinated by the City of Los Angeles Community Development Department & Workforce Investment Board with funds from the  federal Workforce Investment Act .    Since it opened, the VCN YouthSource Center has provided intensive services to  more than 120  opportunity youth who were previously out of school and out of work, and more than 2,000 walk-ins have been served.  These young adults are now working towards their High School diploma, earning college credit, and receiving training and employment opportunities.  

Finally, this event will recognize the achievements of outgoing President of Los Angeles Trade Technical College (LATTC), Dr. Roland “Chip” Chapdelaine and welcome incoming President, Laurence Frank.  “During his 7 year tenure, Dr. Chapdelaine has been instrumental in building the strength of Trade Tech's curriculum with a  rigorous focus on workforce development.  This has led to significant industry partnerships and a re-vitalized relationship with the neighborhoods served by the college.  Because of his support of the Vernon-Central Workforce Development Network, more than 250 of our program participants have been able to earn a high school diploma, credential, and/or complete college coursework.  We look forward  to continuing that tradition and further developing this great partnership.” said Mark Wilson, Executive Director of Coalition for Responsible Community Development.