Title
To honor and recognize Berwyn East Civic Association (BECA) for their 2nd year of Berwyn East Neighborhood Youth Work Corps (YWC).
Body
WHEREAS, in 2006 the community represented by the Berwyn East Civic Association, had a growing concern about youth in the community having to much unsupervised time during the summer; and
WHEREAS, the community noticed that after school was out, middle school youth ages 12-15, roamed the neighborhood throughout the day with out activities; and
WHEREAS, while this "roaming" took place, the neighborhood experienced increased incidences of littering, vandalism, fighting and loitering on commercial and private property; and
WHEREAS, the BECA began to envision an alternative to "hanging out" during the summer months; and
WHEREAS, middle school youth are too old for traditional childcare and too young to obtain employment; and
WHEREAS, the Civic Association approached Lynne LaCour, Manager of the Neighborhood Pride Center-East. Ms. LaCour suggested the Civic Association apply for a Neighborhood Empowerment grant from The United Way of Central Ohio and also in 2006, the Columbus Foundation; and
WHEREAS, the hope was to receive enough money to entice the middle school youth, to work for the Youth Work Corps (YWC), assisting non-profit and needy organizations. Both organizations embraced our vision and funded the project; now, therefore
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
That we do hereby honor and congratulate Berwyn East Civic Association (BECA) for their 2nd year of Berwyn East Neighborhood Youth Work Corps (YWC).