Press Releases
DATE: April 23, 2003
RELEASE: Immediately
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT
Reba V. Hicks
Public Information Officer
(856) 968-2748
rhicks@camdenhousing.org
HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF CAMDEN (HACC) AND HOPEWORKS 'N
CAMDEN FORM NEW PARTNERSHIP
ENRICHING THE LIVES OF CAMDEN CITY'S YOUTH
The Housing Authority of the City of Camden has awarded a contract to
Hopeworks 'N Camden of Camden, New Jersey to provide GIS
(Geographic Information Services) training, web training and youth
formation to its youth.
HACC's youth (through its Youth Initiatives Department) have been
participating in the Hope works' GIS training since January 2003
and currently (25) youth are registered for the training. The
Authority's youth are exposed to basic GIS data collection skills
that will enable them to produce a complete parcel map of the City of
Camden that will be populated with the following data layers: Current
housing conditions, lot descriptions, street conditions, location of
community assets and location of all street lights. This youth
generated program also instructs youth on air quality control and
measuring of trees, three days a week.
The program reinforces learning as a lifelong process. Activities
engage the participants while developing leadership skills, civic
responsibility and personal growth.
The Housing Authority of the City of Camden's Youth Initiatives is
an after-school enrichment program for children between the ages of 6
and 18 years old who reside in public housing. The program provides
participants with services that enable them to develop socially and
academically and promotes community wellness. Along with Hopeworks
mission geared towards youth; to reduce the high school dropout rate
for African and Hispanic youth in Camden and to create hope,
good-paying jobs, business development and educational opportunities
for those Camden youth-specifically African American and Hispanic
youth between the ages of 17 and 25 that have dropped out of school,
we have joined forces in providing positive opportunities that will
equip our youth for life.
Dr. Maria Marquez, Executive Director, stated, "I am very proud
of the partnership formed with Hopeworks. Together, the investment and
commitment shown to our youth will strengthen and encourage them for
whatever opportunities come their way. We are so happy to help broaden
the horizons of our youth, as they begin to understand their place in
society as a part of a larger context". more
MISSION STATEMENT
"Promoting adequate and affordable housing, economic
opportunity and a suitable living environment free from
discrimination."