CHICAGO (CBS) — Funding cuts at two City of Chicago youth employment centers will leave hundreds of kids without jobs at the end of the year. The news comes as they prepare to start their holiday break.
The city has yet to issue an official response, and it is unclear exactly how many youth jobs are impacted. According to program organizers, hundreds of kids are currently slated to lose their jobs come New Year’s Eve.
Students at Humboldt Park’s Pedro Albizu Campos High School have some important jobs. They help connect families with food, utilities, and other services through the Chicago Youth Service Corps.
“I manage six families. I help them with grocery bills if they need help with rent assistance,” Cristian Cruz said.
And it’s not just other families that they help.
“It taught me how to be independent. I can pay my own bills,” senior Tatiana Guerrero said.
“If your home is not a very good environment, it gives you something to do after school, so you don’t have to be stuck in the house,” junior Daija Davis said.