Mayor’s Youth Program Partners For Good

Press release from the City of Peoria:

August 3, 2020

Teens team up with seniors, residents with disabilities to upgrade right-of-way

Students in the Mayor’s Youth Program are giving back to the community in a new way this week. The teens are partnering with seniors and people with disabilities to tune up the right-of-way in front of an 170 plus unit apartment building on Glen Oak Avenue.

While the student workers are used to preforming laborious tasks, this is likely their largest feat this season. They are tilling 1,042 square feet of weed ridden dirt, leveling the soil, filling in eroded turf and laying heavy sod.

“This is a great partnership between the City, these young people and these residents,” said Assistant Director of Operations, Sie Maroon. “Not only are we challenging this team in a new way, but we’re helping build new relationships and a greater sense of community.”

And though the work might be tough – the experience is meeting the mission of the program. With every shift, the teens learn about hard work, discipline and career paths. But even more, they learn how to selflessly serve others.

“We’re extremely grateful the Mayor’s Youth Program and City for giving this area their time and attention,” said Tammy Shock, Property Manager at Glen Oak Towers. “This space is going to be much more attractive, pleasant and enjoyable for those who live and work around here.”

As part of the partnership, Shock has organized a group of resident volunteers to maintain the space once complete. They will be tasked with weeding and watering the sod as well as picking up any litter.

The property is located in front of 926 Main Street. The teens should complete the work by Tuesday, August 4, weather pending. Learn more about the program at peoriagov.org – just search for Mayor’s Youth Program.

This press release was produced by the City of Peoria. The views expressed here are the author’s own.