FOR IMMEDIATE RELASE
Date: July 11, 2022
Springfield Park District Contact:
Marty Strieker 217-753-2800 X2003
mstrieker@springfieldparks.org
City of Springfield Contact: Julia Frevert
217-303-1507
Julia.Frevert@springfield.il.us
SPRINGFIELD PARK DISTRICT PARTNERS WITH THE CITY OF SPRINGFIELD TO PROVIDE THE SECOND ANNUAL TEEN EMPOWERMENT ZONE!
[Springfield, IL] –Springfield Park District and the City of Springfield have partnered together for a second year to create and implement a new program designed to provide meaningful employment opportunities and new programming initiatives for youth.
The goal of this project is to build a better community by providing on-the-job training, life skills, leadership development and educational opportunities for at-risk youth within Springfield, between the ages of 14-22. As a Recreation Associate, participants will gain real world experience in a variety of career paths and job duties designed to help prepare young adults to enter the workforce. Candidates will be led by a dedicated, Summer Youth Work & Training Program Coordinator.
In addition, teen leaders in this program will train alongside the Program Coordinator to develop and implement free community events in the evenings for their peers.
This youth training and recreational opportunity has been made possible by a generous grant from the City of Springfield through its Community Development Block Grant Funds. Last year the program served hundreds in the community including four teen leaders.
Springfield Park District Board President, Leslie Sgro “Through this strong partnership with the City of Springfield, we can offer employment opportunities, on-the-job training programs, and more impactful community events.”
“The pandemic has taught all of us the importance of family time and the need to enhance and improve access to outdoor spaces. The City is proud to partner with the Springfield Park District to continue our Comer Cox Park activation efforts for the benefit and growth of our young people,” said Springfield Mayor Jim Langfelder.
The program will kick off July 12th from 5:00pm-8:00pm at Comer Cox Park with the first Basketball event! Young adults interested in participating in the Teen Empowerment Zone, please call (217) 753- 6234 ext 3005 or email trhodes@springfieldparks.org.
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