Danielle Rowden, a 21 year old mother of two, is a member of the United Way of Wyandotte County, Inc. Youthbuild program in Kansas City, Kansas. Danielle was on hand last Wednesday, December 15th when HUD Regional Director Macie Houston presented United Way a check for $700,000. The grant was one of over 100 2004 Youthbuild grants announced last week by HUD Secretary Alphonso Jackson. Rowden spoke to the crowd that had gathered to participate in the grant presentation and said, "This program teaches people that young folks aren't all about the bad things. We can work in our community to do good things." Rowden says she wants to receive her high school diploma because she realizes she needs it to get a good job. She wants to give her kids a better life. Because the United Way Youthbuild program offers an educational portion as well as job skill training, Rowden saw the local Youthbuild program as a way to obtain her high school diploma. The current United Way Youthbuild class of 21 is working with Kaw Valley Habitat for Humanity to build a three-bedroom home located at 2101 North 3rd Street in the northeast corner of Kansas City, Kansas.

Danielle Rowden, a Youthbuild participant, speaking to the group gathered for the United Way of Wyandotte County, Inc. Youthbuild Grant announcement.

Two Youthbuild students involved in the construction of the three-bedroom home in the northeast corner of Kansas City, KS. The Youthbuild students are building the home with Kaw Valley Habitat for Humanity.

This is the fourth year for the United Way of Wyandotte County's Youthbuild Program and the third Youthbuild grant received from HUD. Regional Director Macie Houston told the audience that the Youthbuild grants are very special because they help young people who otherwise might not have the opportunity to succeed in a career that offers meaningful employment. The grants help at risk youth return to the classroom, obtain their high school diploma and receive job training and leadership skills that prepare them for a career in the construction industry.

United Way Director Wendall Maddox explains the organization's Youthbuild program after receiving the $700,000 Youthbuild grant ceremonial check from Congressman Dennis Moore and Unified Government Commissioner Don DeSeure.

The house at 2101 North 3rd Street in Kansas City, KS currently under construction by the United Way of Wyandotte County, Inc. Youthbuild class and the Kaw Valley Habitat for Humanity.

Also participating in the event was Vic Martin, Director of the Youthbuild program with Swope Community Builders in Kansas City, Missouri. Swope Community Builders in Kansas City, Missouri sponsors a Youthbuild program and was also a recipient of a $700,000 grant.