At 10 a.m. sharp, a group of teens clock in to work. It’s not your typical summer job. They’re gaining skills, staying out of trouble, and learning to lead – all while getting paid.
Their employer? The Struggle of Love Foundation. The Workforce Development Program is underway.
“Idle time is dangerous,” said program manager Elon Hodge Jones. “When teens are bored, they start thinking about things to do, and unfortunately, that’s not always good things. Giving them something productive to do is essential. It keeps them off the streets, keeps them safe, and keeps our community safe overall.”
This summer, the foundation is running a youth workforce program with 15 young people, offering structure, mentorship, and a $150 weekly stipend – funded not by grants, but directly out of the foundation’s pockets…