With a recent report pointing to the growing poverty crisis in Rochester, a non-profit agency says it's more important than ever for young people to find their first job.
Teen Empowerment is starting the annual process of screening for its youth organizer positions. Youth organizers are hired to work on projects to inspire positive change within their community.
"We're looking for a willingness to really use your voice and talk about, from your life experience, the things that you see that suppress young people and people in urban communities," said project coordinator Shawn Brown. "One thing we see, especially with some young people who are involved with negative behavior, is that there has to be an alternative option to make some money to help support themselves and help support their families."
Teen Empowerment held group and individual interviews for youth organizer positions on Wednesday at its center at 375 Genesee Street.
Brown said the agency is also challenging other local businesses to consider employing the young people it refers.
"We definitely want to create pipelines for these young people, and we spend six hours with them, so when we refer a young person, we know this young person; we know their potential and we've seen their skills," he said.
Teen empowerment will give teens information about how to create a resume, get a work permit, and find other job opportunities in the community.