About Us

Quad YouthBuild is a comprehensive 7-month pre-apprenticeship, job training, education, and leadership development program for out-of-school and unemployed young adults ages 16 to 24. Quad YouthBuild operates under the umbrella of Quad Area Community Action Agency, Inc.

Quad YouthBuild helps young adults develop occupational skills in three occupational fields. These fields include the construction trades through a worksite in partnership with Ginger Ford Northshore Fuller Center for Housing; healthcare with the ability to become a certified nursing assistant; and hospitality with the ability to become a certified front desk representative, certified breakfast server, certified maintenance employee, certified guestroom attendant, certified kitchen cook, and/or a certified breakfast attendant. In addition to hands-on work experience and occupational training, part of the youth’s time is spent in other education and training activities such as HiSET preparation, basic computer skills, social-emotional learning, leadership development, financial literacy, and an intense focus on those soft skills every person needs to pay the bills!

YouthBuild graduates leave the program with a toolbox filled with more than a hammer and tape— they have a solid education, real-world work experience, goals for their future, a support system and the self-confidence to know they can succeed!

Why

Many youth do not follow a direct line of success from Point A to Point B. Quad YouthBuild believes that all young people have the potential and talent to do great things regardless of their past and barriers. It is our heart and mission to see all young people reach their potential through education, training, support, and services. We want youth to leave with a clear vision of success for their future.

Mission

To wage war on poverty by protecting and improving the quality of lives of the low income through services of education, training advocacy and recreation, with planning that includes input from and respect for the poor.

Meet Our Staff

Crystal Pena

YouthBuild Director
crystal@quadyouth.org

Joshua Simons

Construction Manager
jsimons@quadyouth.org

Laurie Lassalle

Job Developer
llassalle@quadyouth.org

Casey Jones

Academic Instructor
cjones@quadyouth.org

Sasha Berthelot

Program Assistant/Data Specialist
sberthelot@quadyouth.org

Javonie Evans

Case Manager
jevans@quadyouth.org

Quad YouthBuild is administered by Quad Area Community C.A.A. This project is funded 100% by federal grant awards totaling $1,395,500. Project is funded 93% ($1,296,000) by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment & Training Administration and 7% ($99,500) by CNCS YouthBuild AmeriCorps. This program is an equal opportunity employer/program. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities.