THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, October 13, 1994 TAG: 9410110114
SECTION: NORFOLK COMPASS PAGE: 10 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Cover story
SOURCE: BY HEIDI GLICK, CORRESPONDENT
LENGTH: Long : 135 lines
IT'S 8 A.M. in the Diggs Town public housing community.
The streets are quiet save for the occasional machine-driven sounds from construction workers.
And the scraping of two rakes against cement.
Kelvin Brown and Lemyron Hawkins, both 14, have been working since 7 a.m., lugging around a trash can and sweeping debris from their neighborhood streets. For both, it's their first job.
They work 15 hours a week at $4.25 an hour, earning about $120 every two weeks.
``There's nothing wrong with cleaning up our parks,'' Kelvin says, while taking a break from raking. ``I don't want to live in a dirty park. There's nothing wrong with getting up in the morning. Instead of selling drugs I'd rather be here cleaning.''
Kelvin and Lemyron landed these jobs through a Teen Rental Assistance Program initially started in January and implemented in June.
The program, sponsored by a $21,000 joint grant from the Norfolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority and the city, provides jobs for teens living in Norfolk's public housing, specifically Diggs Town, Grandy Village, Young Terrace and Bowling Green.
JoAnne Jones, recreation supervisor for Norfolk Parks and Recreation, says once the grant expires in October, the teens will reapply, and most likely be accepted again.
``I don't see anything but growth for this program,'' Jones said, adding that she believes the program boosts kids' self-esteem. ``When kids are doing a job and are recognized for doing something positive, it makes them feel better about themselves.''
In addition, the program provides a helping hand for public housing residents.
If residents need their windows washed, porch steps painted or a baby sitter for a few hours, they call Mary Kittrell. She's the recreation aide in charge of supervising the teens and placing them with residents who need help in their homes.
When the teens aren't doing odd jobs for residents, they either help the maintenance crew, work in the rental office or supervise children in the recreation center.
Transportation isn't a problem because the employees work within their own housing area.
``A lot of youth haven't had preparation in the workplace,'' said Lester Blaney, the Diggs Town maintenance superintendent. ``It prepares them. There's a lot of things to do besides playing basketball. It's a sense of doing something for the community and working in the community.''
These jobs are a first for many of the teens, giving them a sense of independence, Kittrell said.
``One boy bought his little sister all her school supplies and a couple of outfits,'' she said. ``It's a big help for some of these parents when you get $117 for two weeks.''
Kelvin, who lives with his brother and mother, says having a job makes him feel ``different.''
``I feel happy,'' he said. ``I know I can spend my own money. In a store, I'd have to ask my mom. Now I can buy it myself.''
As part of the program, Kittrell holds educational sessions for the employees twice a month - before each payday - to teach them how to open a savings and checking account, to read a paycheck stub and budget their money.
Most importantly the teens are learning about money management. With this new job, Teddy Wilson, a 15-year-old who lives in Bowling Green, now pays half of the telephone bill and buys his own clothes for school.
``I didn't want my mom to buy my sister's and my own school clothes,'' he said.
Lemyron said: ``If I wanted some new things, my mom would buy it. But she's got to pay her bills.''
About 60 teens initially signed up for the program; 21 have stayed with it. Larry Miller, 14, is one of them.
He first saw an advertisement for the program back in June while playing basketball at the Young Terrace Recreation Center. The notice was hanging on the gym wall.
He called the number that day and, a week later, filled out an application. Soon after he was facing his first day of work helping out the maintenance department, fixing stoves and windows, and cleaning streets.
Now he supervises children at the recreation center and teaches them to play basketball.
Although he has learned the importance of saving, Larry says he would rather spend it - especially on school supplies and clothes. But he's most proud of being able to buy his mom a new dress.
``It's a pink dress with gold dots everywhere,'' Larry explained. ``I told her, `Go ahead. Buy that dress that you want.' ''
Getting paid regularly, on the 15th and 30th of each month, helps him plan his expenses.
``You don't have to ask people for money,'' he said. ``I know it's coming. I wait patiently. If I worry about it, it takes longer, so I try not to think about it, and it comes quicker.''
Although payday is an important motivation for these teens, many value the job experience.
Teresa Cowell, 17, works in the Young Terrace rental office and senior center, answering phones, filing reports, using the computer and helping with home inspections.
``You got to work,'' she said softly breaking out into a smile. ``I like clothes and materialistic things.''
Although typically shy, Teresa says this job has helped her to relax more around her employers.
``I learned how to get along with people more,'' she said. ``I let people know what I'm thinking.''
That trait impresses Sheila Taormina, a nurse practitioner with the Norfolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority who recently started the senior center at Young Terrace.
``I only have to tell something once to her,'' Taormina said. ``She asks appropriate questions.''
At a recent luncheon for the seniors, Teresa helped serve and chatted with them.
``She's so gentle and sweet with them,'' Taormina said. ``Seniors love the young people, especially with someone so respectful of them.'' ILLUSTRATION: Staff photo by JIM WALKER
Lemyron Hawkins, left, and Kelvin Brown, both 14, help clean up
their Diggs Town neighborhood through the Teen Rental Assistance
Program. The boys work 15 hours a week at $4.25 an hour.
Staff photo by LAWRENCE JACKSON
Kamilah Ferebee, 16, left, covers textbooks while LaToya Mason, 16,
helps Terri Rawson, 8, with her homework at the Bowling Green
Recreation Center. Their jobs are through a program sponsored by the
Norfolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority and the city.
Staff photo by JOSEPH JOHN KOTLOWSKI
Teresa Cowell, 17, helps out at the Young Terrace rental office.
``You got to work,'' she said. ``I like clothes and materialistic
things.''
by CNB