HR0709 103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0709 LRB103 40141 MST 71845 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The Illinois YouthBuild Coalition was founded by former President Kerry Knodle in 1996; the following year, the coalition advocated for the passage of the Illinois YouthBuild Act by the General Assembly, creating a mechanism for launching and funding programs; and

WHEREAS, The Illinois YouthBuild Coalition (IYC) is supported by YouthBuild USA; the coalition is comprised of 16 YouthBuild programs in Illinois, which include other youth-serving organizations with similar purposes; the 16 individual program affiliates currently involved with IYC are in Aurora, Bloomington, Champaign, Chicago Heights, Decatur, East St. Louis, Godfrey, North Chicago, Rockford, Rock Island, Waukegan, and Chicago; all member organizations of the coalition operate their YouthBuild program according to the YouthBuild Model; and

WHEREAS, The Illinois YouthBuild Coalition is dedicated to expanding employment and career opportunities for socially and economically disadvantaged young adults by advocating for an increase of quality resources and community involvement; it partners with opportunity youth to build a safe, secure, and supportive force for change in the larger community; and

WHEREAS, YouthBuild programs serve low-income young people ages 16 to 24 who have barriers to success, which may include foster care, homelessness, and juvenile justice; these young people are traditionally known as disenfranchised, marginalized, at risk, and disconnected; they are too often defined by the struggles they face both socially and economically; and

WHEREAS, YouthBuild believes that the goals, dreams, and aspirations of every young person are real; these young people should be seen for who they really are, and they should receive support; every young person deserves the opportunity to develop their untapped potential; and

WHEREAS, YouthBuild is a youth and community development program that simultaneously addresses core issues facing low-income communities, including housing, education, employment, crime prevention, and youth leadership development; and

WHEREAS, Because of the YouthBuild programs in Illinois, low-income young people ages 16 to 24 can work toward their GED or high school diploma while learning the skills of the construction industry through hands-on construction activities; and

WHEREAS, The Illinois YouthBuild Coalition will be holding its annual advocacy day at the State Capitol on April 17, 2024; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED THIRD GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we recognize the work of Illinois YouthBuild Coalition President Tameka Wilson, the various staff members, and the 16 State-wide YouthBuild directors and salute them on IYC Day at the Illinois State Capitol; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the Illinois YouthBuild Coalition as a symbol of our respect and esteem.