Youth Collaborative Committee Celebrates First Meeting
Workforce Solutions for South Texas
August 3, 2018
Agencies look forward to supporting the youth and young adults
LAREDO, Texas — (August 2018) — Workforce Solutions for South Texas and the Laredo Jobs Corp Center presented the Laredo Youth Collaborative Committee to representatives from local agencies, Wednesday morning.
“The purpose of the Laredo Youth Collaborative Committee is to provide an opportunity for the youth to acquire a greater knowledge of, and appreciation for, the American political system through active participation in local government, local businesses, non-profit organizations, and other organizations and services,” the Outreach Coordinador at the WSST, Alvin Alvarez, said. “The LYCC shall assist in solving the problems and accomplishing the goals of Laredo by facilitating open dialogue and discussion with representatives for the youth.”
Besides the Workforce Solutions for South Texas and Laredo Job Corps Center, attending the first meeting were representatives from the following organizations: Casa de Misericordia, Child Protective Services, Children’s Advocacy Center, City of Laredo Health Department, Community Action Agency, Judge Danny Dominguez office, Laredo College, Maximus Inc., MileOne, 341st District Court (Judge Becky Palomo), SCAN Inc., and Webb County.
Andrea De La Garza, Project Director at the WSST, explained the importance of instilling a feeling of positive self-worth and esteem in the youth and young adults.
“We want to fill gaps. We want to connect with the youth and young adults, but we need the help of local organizations and providers,” De La Garza said. “This way we will be able to identify their needs without duplicating the services but creating a connection.”
She also said that “the fact that you are here (in this first meeting) is an example that this is a much-needed group.”
Adriana Hernandez from the Laredo Job Corps Center explained that they’re working hard to help youth between 16-24 years old by inviting others in the youth community to help.
“We want to create a ‘Youth-to-Youth’ program,” Hernandez explained. “We hope your agencies will be able to recommend a youth representative to be part of this committee.”
During the first meeting, it was established the need for a “Generational Diversity” training where agencies will be able to create a stronger link between the older generations and the Millenials, adapting to each other with the core element of mutual “respect.”
The Laredo Youth Collaborative Committee is hoping to provide the youth and young adults with opportunities while listening to their needs and incorporating the values and vision from the other generations so that local youth service design is more effective.
The second meeting of the LYCC is scheduled for Wednesday, September 5, 2018, at 9 a.m. at the Workforce Solutions for South Texas, 2389 E. Saunders. Agencies or local community organizations serving youth or young adults are welcome to participate. For more information please contact Alvin Alvarez at 956-794-6530 or e-mail him at alvin.alvarez@southtexasworkforce.org.
