THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, May 5, 1995 TAG: 9505050545
SECTION: BUSINESS PAGE: D1 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY MIKE KNEPLER, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: NORFOLK LENGTH: Medium: 87 lines
Networking and team building, the business buzzwords of the 1990s, are now themes of some summer jobs programs aimed at assisting teens, especially from inner-city neighborhoods.
``Summer Jobs '95,'' seeks commitments for 750 jobs, for people ages 16 through 24. The goals are 500 positions in South Hampton Roads and 250 on the Peninsula.
The program was launched Thursday by the Urban League of Hampton Roads, which organized a team of social agencies, government programs and grass-roots groups. The African American-Jewish Coalition hosted a forum at the Waterside Convention Center.
The Urban League will recruit and screen applicants and provide job preparation and counseling, said David Ollison, employment director.
``These support systems make a difference,'' said Louisa Strayhorn, a Virginia Beach City Council member and an executive with Sentara Health System.
Also, a coalition coordinated by the Southeastern Tidewater Opportunity Project announced ``Summer STEPS'' to find jobs for high schoolers and volunteer positions for middle school students. Applicants must live in Park Place, Diggs Town and Oakleaf Forest.
A third community effort will be held May 20, as the Downtown Norfolk Council holds an ``Opportunity Fair'' at Booker T. Washington High School to help Norfolk teens and young adults find jobs.
The three campaigns, and others like them throughout Hampton Roads, are being organized with a new sense of urgency. In recent years, public concern has risen over youth problems while federal, state and local governments cut funding for various programs.
The efforts also come as more community groups here and nationwide seek their own creative solutions to pressing social problems.
``It means that each one of us must help create an environment that fosters jobs,'' said Jim House, director of the Department of Minority Business Enterprise for Gov. George F. Allen's administration.
The theme was echoed by Norfolk Vice Mayor Paul Riddick, who recalled the relative ease teens had in finding work while he was growing up in 1960s.
Jobs, Riddick said, also are a way of transmitting broader social values among teens, particularly those in hard-pressed neighborhoods.
``It will give them an income,'' he said. ``But hopefully they will imitate the marketplace in dress. They will imitate the marketplace in language. This, in itself, would give us future members of the work force who already are prepared. . . . These are more important than the salaries.''
City Councilman Charles Brown of Suffolk agreed with Riddick, saying ``Jobs alone are not good enough. We have to be able to change attitudes.''
Norfolk Assistant Police Chief Shelton Darden said his department will hire up to 30 teens this summer. His philosophy: ``This is just as important as having more police officers on the street. Having jobs for our young people is something that will lower the crime rate.''
The forum also heard from teens who benefited from summer jobs and part-time employment.
Tenesha Jackson, a junior at Booker T. Washington High School, said working in the claims department of Sentara last summer improved her typing and math skills.
Several young residents of Norfolk said jobs at the SSS Car Wash helped them stay out of trouble and plan for college or trade school. They were Vonnail McCoy, 21, of Wards Corner, Kenneth Smith, 18, of Estabrook, Joe Bryant, 17, of Olde Huntersville and Keith Beverly, 17, of Oakmont North.
``We're proud to be a stepping stone for them,'' said Kent Winquist, car wash co-owner. ILLUSTRATION: Graphic
SUMMER JOBS '95
Seeks 750 jobs for people ages 16-24
Call David Ollison, 627-0864
SUMMER STEPS
Seeks jobs for high schoolers and volunteer positions for
middle-school students. Applicants must live in Park Place, Diggs
Town or Oakleaf Forest.
Call Ernie Edwards, 623-0562
OPPORTUNITY FAIR
For Norfolk residents ages 15-25, features workshops on finding and
keeping jobs. Bring identification and information on job
experience. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. May 20, Booker T. Washington High School.
Call Dianne Elliott, 623-1757.
by CNB