(Evanston, Ill.) – The Youth Job Center of Evanston received a $200,000 Illinois grant to retrofit its facility and make it more environmentally friendly and energy efficient. In addition to helping the YJC “go green,” the grant will also directly enable the agency to put more Evanston youth to work.
“This important capital investment will create jobs in our community that will pay dividends for dozens of young Evanston residents,” said Jeff Schoenberg, Illinois State Senator-9th District. “The Youth Job Center’s job creation initiative will also ensure that the building renovation will realize significant reductions in energy costs as the result of this comprehensive ‘greening’ process.”
Schoenberg announced the grant this summer, and it was the YJC’s first time to receive state funding. Through careful planning, the YJC looks forward to the effective use of stimulus funds in the Evanston.
“We’re extremely grateful for this state funding,” said YJC Executive Director Sacella Smith. “These will be dollars well spent as the funding provides much-needed jobs for our community’s youth.”
The YJC expects to see substantial cost savings with the new efficiency measures, including an estimated 40 percent savings in electricity and an overall 60 percent savings in heating and cooling. These savings will be accomplished through a number of structural enhancements, including upgrades to the electrical and lighting systems, new windows and roofing, and improved insulation of the building envelope. The YJC hopes that the new improvements will help qualify the building for eventual LEED certification.
Most importantly, the project comes at a critical point for the community and nation as a whole.
“This funding comes at a time when youth unemployment is at its highest level in more than 60 years,” YJC Board President Jim Kauffman said. “This grant not only provides jobs to young people but also enhances the programs and services of the YJC by making the facility more efficient and effective.”
For more information regarding the building project and job creation, the YJC will host a conversation with Schoenberg and other community leaders on Sunday, November 1, from 7:00-9:00PM at a home in northeast Evanston. Cocktails and appetizers will be served. Please contact the Youth Job Center at 847-864-5627 to RSVP and receive more information.
The Youth Job Center of Evanston prepares youth ages 14-25 for success in the workplace through job-readiness, placement and employment support in partnership with employers.
Media: For more information, contact Melanie Wanzek, Communications Assistant, at 847-864-5627 ext. 19 or
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