Birmingham Field Office employees welcome members of Girl Scout Troop 229 to "Take Our Daughter and Sons to Work Day" at Birmingham HUD Field Office. Girl Scout Troop 229 is located at Wilson Elementary School, with Ms. Marisa Williams as its Troop Leader.

Troop 229 visited the HUD Field Office and learned more about how the workplace functions and what will be expected of them later in life if they are to succeed. During their visit the Scouts were treated to a pizza lunch and door prizes. Michelle Green, a Program Assistant in the Office of Public Housing, volunteers as the Assistant Troop Leader for Troop 229 and felt it would be a great experience for the young ladies to view the HUD workplace and interact with HUD employees on a professional level.

Public Housing Revitalization Specialists, Debra Pippen-Johnson and Henry Nelson talked with the young people about the importance of setting goals. However, we learned quickly these young people were very impressive. They were asked questions about how the decisions they make today may impact their future and their responses were pretty amazing. They clearly understand the dangers of drugs, teenage pregnancy, and making poor choices. They also seemed to understand that education could be the key to breaking the cycle of poverty and stepping into a life of opportunity.

We were pleased to provide this opportunity of exposing youth to what adults do with their lives during the workday and giving them an opportunity of sharing how they envision their future.