601-442-1978
THE NATCHEZ HOUSING YOUTHBUILD
Purpose/Mission/Values
The Purpose
The Natchez Housing Authority YouthBuild is a program that helps youth, ages 16 to 24, develop the education, motivation, self-confidence and work skills necessary to succeed in life. Participants are guided by adult leaders who serve as mentors, role models, technical trainers, supervisors and case managers.
The Natchez YouthBuild is an excellent stepping stone to advance in nontraditional career opportunities.
The Natchez YouthBuild embodies teamwork, self-discipline, determination, commitment, dedication, ambition, and responsibility.
The Mission
The mission of the Natchez Housing Authority YouthBuild is to provide out of school youth with the broadest range of tools, supports and opportunities available to become self-sufficient, responsible and productive citizens in their community.
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ACTIVITIES
Making A Difference
Natchez Housing Authority is in the business of changing and shaping lives. The work we do, as a non-profit organization, is aimed at providing a holistic approach to solving some of our society’s biggest challenges. We make sure our partners are empowered by creating opportunities for individuals and communities.
ACADEMICS
Reinforcing our Commitment
The YouthBuild Program is designed to assist low income young adults, ages 16-24, in need of a High School Diploma, Educational Assistance, and Work Skills. High School Diplomas are utilized through Penn Foster. YouthBuild utilizes several different methods of equip its participants with the tools they need to become self-sufficient productive members of the community.
CONSTRUCTION TRADE
One Step at a Time
Participants will participate in renovating and building homes for low income families. The Natchez Housing YouthBuild has partnered with The Habitat for Humanity. Each participant will have an opportunity to lead on site. Participants will also get the opportunity, when available, to work with other off-site contractors, such as plumbers and electricians. They will learn safety rules and be in charge of tools. All participants will wear safety gear when on site, during classroom training and learn terminology. The construction instructor will teach terminology and concepts prior to being on work sites, and will be reinforced with continual review.
LEADERSHIP TRAINING
Helping The Community
Participants will explore and learn about personal growth through classes as follows but are not limited to:
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Anger Management
Budgeting
Conflict Resolution
Drug and Alcohol Intervention
Financial Planning
Know your Rights
Parenting
Healthy Relationship Building
SUPPORT SERVICES
Caring for You
Support System:
Participants face many challenges which could hinder their success. We have established a support system in an environment which fosters consistency in acceptance and a desire to see participants succeed. Participants have direct access to services such as:
Abstinence Education
Healthy Families
Fatherhood
Tobacco Cessation
Individual Deposit Accounts
Financial Literacy
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Case Management:
The Case Manager work closely with the participants to develop comprehensive personal assessments for their:
Goals
Mental Health
Physical Health
Substance Abuse History
Sexual Health Practices
Family Situation
Relationships
Educational Background
Employment History
Financial Issues
Legal Issues
Mentoring:
Each participant is paired with a community mentor who serves as an additional source of support. The relationships are formed based on the academic and social needs of each individual student.
Group Sessions:
Participants attend bi-weekly gender-based group sessions that allow students to openly discuss and examine situations they encounter in every day life or are curios about.
Parenting
Personal Relationships
Sexual Health
Sexual Abuse Prevention
Substance Abuse
Prevention Responsibility
Death and Loss
Changing Negative Perceptions
CAREER READINESS
One Step at a Time
Career Readiness
Introduction to the Work World
Career exploration and opportunities
Earning Potential
Work Readiness Behaviors
Leadership Skills Development
Goal Setting
Job-Searching Techniques
Resume Writing
Portfolio Development
Financial Literacy
Interviewing Skills and Mock Interviews
Job Shadow Preparation
Strategies for gaining experience on the
Post-Secondary Education Readiness
Post-secondary exploration
Application process (timelines, college application, and class course selection and registration)
Financial aid (FAFSA applications, grants and loans)
Goal setting and career planning
Soft skills (e.g., time management, organization, problem-solving, etc.)
Academic behaviors (e.g., note-taking, test-taking, reading a textbook, etc.)
Adjusting to and navigating the college culture (e.g., how college operates as a system, norms of interaction with peers and professors, challenge of college-level courses, etc.).
GRADUATE SERVICES
Helping The Community
Our goal is to support our graduates as they continue their education, advance in the workplace, and make plans for their future. We assist in the following areas development:
Career Workshops
Job Shadowing
Job Fair Announcements
Internet Job Searches
Resume Writing Assistance
Employment Referrals
SAT Preparation and Registration
Assistance with Applications
Assistance with Financial Aid Forms
College Visitations
Driver's License Applications
Leadership training is integrated into each of the school's program components. Participants are encouraged to develop their leadership abilities and embrace the community's seven core values:
Loyalty-Devotion, Trustworthiness, and Faithfulness
Duty-Responsibility, Obligation of Family, Self, and Community
Respect-Admiration, High Opinion, Think Highly of Others
Selfless Service-Unselfishness, Noble, Put Others First
Honor-Credit-Tribute, Glory and Fame
Integrity-Honesty and Truth
Personal Courage-Bravery, Guts, and Nerves
CONTACT NATCHEZ HOUSING YOUTHBUILD
160 St Catherine St., Natchez, MS 39120
601-442-1978
