Youthbuild

Dave Masters and Bill Garceau

Youthbuild

"Service Learning is a part of life," said Dave Masters, on e of the leaders of the St. Cloud area Youthbuild group. "Youth need to learn how to be involved in their communities and to volunteer along side a culturally diverse group of people to learn respect and pride." Bill Garceau said the same thing when asked what his reason for helping out Youthbuild. "It helps the students learn a sense of pride and ownership. They can be driving by some day and point and say, ‘I helped build that house'."

                Youthbuild is a national organization that introduces disadvantaged, at risk students (ages 16-24) to the construction trade. The program strives to help create leaders, fight poverty housing, continue education, prevent crime and develop skills that employers are looking for. Youthbuild works along Habitat's mission in fighting poverty, not just through housing, but with character development and personal improvement.

                Dave Masters has been teaching shop and industrial tech for 32 years in the St. Cloud school district. Five years ago, the Workforce center approached him and asked if he would be interested in leading a summer group of young people called Youthbuild. He has also volunteered with Central Minnesota Habitat for Humanity prior with his church, Bethlehem Lutheran. To him, Habitat and Youthbuild are the perfect partnership.

                Bill got involved a few years later. He admitted to not knowing a lot about Habitat, though he recognized the name. After working on the homes in 33^rd Circle he was surprised to learn more about the families and how they got their homes. Bill enjoys working with all the different students that enter the program and encourages others to volunteer with Habitat. "Anyone can volunteer!" he said.

                Thank you to Dave, Bill and the entire Youthbuild program! We truly enjoy having your enthusiasm and passion for the same mission. May all the students that come through grow into strong and compassionate leaders! 

Click here to learn more about Youthbuild