Helping Youth Be Productive Citizens
Minority leader brings business and community leaders together to brainstorm

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 30, 2007

Contact: George Oros, Tel: (914) 995-2828, Goo6@westchestergov.com

Legislator Oros talks with an attendee at youth forum in Peekskill.

Legislator George Oros (R-C/Cortlandt) hosted a brainstorming session last week in Peekskill with local business and community leaders to discuss ways to increase employment opportunities for teenagers and offer guidance on preparing for life in “the real world.”

Approximately 50 interested parties attended the breakfast forum, sponsored by Wheelabrator, at the Westchester Community College satellite office on North Division Street in Peekskill.

“What do we need to do to entice businesses to hire youngsters?” Oros said. “Valerie Swan and the Peekskill Youth Bureau have done some great things but they can’t do it alone. We have to tackle this issue as a community.”

Peekskill Municipal Youth Bureau Executive Director Valerie Swan, who noted recent research has indicated 7 out of 10 African-American and Hispanic children will be incarcerated during their lifetime, said employment plays a pivotal role in keeping kids off the streets and out of trouble.

“Not all young people want to go to college but if a young person doesn’t have a job, they can’t be successful because they have no money,” Swan said. “What’s missing is money (for youth programs) and opportunities.”

Some of the possible solutions suggested included reaching out to businesses to inform them of tax credits available for hiring youth; encouraging mentorship programs; educating parents; and coaching youth on the responsibilities associated with having a job.

Oros said there needs to be better coordination between civic groups, organizations, agencies, schools and government and recommended Swan form a subcommittee to study
the issue and work more closely with area businesses.

“We all have something in common,” said Oros, who volunteered to serve on the subcommittee. “We’re all God’s creatures and we’re in this together.”