South Rockford youth programs give students tools to build their own future
Most students learn in the classroom.
Young people enrolled in programs at Comprehensive Community Solutions learn by building the classroom.
Participants in the nonprofit's four education and enrichment programs are helping to build out two classrooms, three offices and a large multi-purpose room on the second floor of the old but spacious CCS building, 917 S. Main St.
"They are the ones who have done most of the work," said CCS Executive Director and CEO William Chatman. "We have subcontractors like Kee Solutions come in and do things that our young people can't do like electrical work. But outside of that, they are working with our young people getting the job done."
The transformation of the space is possible thanks to a $300,000 state grant secured by State Rep. Maurice West in January.
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"This is going to help the kids with their learning and create a safe place for them," Chatman said. "One of the things that we're working towards is to make sure that we're open seven days a week and that they have a place go from 8 in the morning to 8 at night."
Chatman said the grant money also was used to add a new HVAC system and a new roof on the decades-old building formerly occupied by Mott Bros., a plumbing supply store.
Joshua Patterson, director of community programs, said the classrooms and office space is needed because the number of programs, youth served and staff members at CCS is growing.
"When I started here in 2020, we had one program, YouthBuild Rockford. Now we have four," Patterson said.
YouthBuild is a pre-apprenticeship program that exposes young people to the building trades over a six- to nine-month period.
RockForWork is a 90-day program geared toward obtaining life skills and earning certification in one of five fields: CNA, culinary, welding, construction and truck driving.
Both programs are designed for individuals between the ages of 16 and 24.
Advanced Learning Program for Higher Achievements, or ALPHA, is a program that serves children and young adults ages 11 to 24. It focuses on fitness, nutrition, tutoring, mentorship and community engagement. The programming takes place in a state-of-the-art boxing gym equipped with heavy bags, cardio machines and free weights.
Alive and Free targets the same 11 to 24 age group. It provides behavioral health support for those who have been involved in the criminal justice system.
As many as 125 to 150 young people are served each week, and 80 percent of the graduates of the CCS programs are placed in jobs or post-secondary education, Patterson said.
He credits the state grant for allowing the students to perform work that reflects back on who they are, CCS and the community.
"The walls talk," Patterson said. "They talk about self-respect and value. The environment should reflect the standards that we want our young people to live by."
Chatman said he anticipates the construction being completed by the end of August.
Chris Green: 815-987-1241; cgreen@rrstar.com; @chrisfgreen
This article originally appeared on Rockford Register Star: Rockford youth programs teach trades, life skills and more
