Exceeding Expectations

Members of our Summer Youth Employment Program show off their artistic side with this self portrait they took

For the 5th consecutive year, The Next Door has been lucky enough to receive funding to hire local young people to help clean up and beautify our area. The Oregon Youth Conservation Corps has been our consistent funder for this program.  In past years, the US Forest Service has provided matching funding and those hired would work clearing hiking trails, cleaning campsites and serving as interpretive guides at Multnomah Falls.  This year, due to the Federal sequestration, we were told this funding was not available.

Luckily,  the Port of Hood River stepped in to provide matching funding for us to be able to hire a crew leader and crew of 6 members.   They have worked hard to pull weeds, clear brush and clean areas on Port land, including at the Hood River Marina, event site and at the airport.  Our contact at the Port had this to say about them,

Half way through the contract with the Next Door, I have to say that the performance of the kids on the crew has been outstanding and has exceeded our expectations…I have had airport tenants exclaim on the quality of their work and their work ethic…We are very pleased.

Needless to say, when I get such a glowing report, I’m thrilled, but even more so knowing that this full-time employment for 9 weeks during the summer helps some of the my young co-workers support their families and pay for school.

These pictures show how hard they are working–keep in mind, it’s been hot since they started work in early July.

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