Youth Center to Open Next Week in Indio

INDIO (CNS) - A youth center designed to help Coachella Valley
residents ages 16 to 24 thrive in school, work and life will open next week in
Indio.
  

The grand opening ceremony for the Goodwill Southern California Youth
Opportunity Center at 44-199 Monroe St. will take place from 10 a.m. to noon on
March 18.
  

Goodwill President and CEO Patrick McClenahan said the opening is an
``exciting and meaningful step for Goodwill Southern California. Indio has long
demonstrated an incredible commitment to uplifting its community, and we are
honored to join a city that already does such important work to support its
residents.''
  

The ceremony will feature remarks from legislators, partners and
Goodwill staff, along with tours and refreshments.
  

Funded by the county's Housing and Workforce Solutions Department, the
center will help youth grow and transform their lives with no-cost
resources, including career exploration, work readiness skills, mentoring and
counseling, college and job preparation support, tutoring and technology
access.
  

``Through our Youth Opportunity services, we will provide career
coaching, job readiness and life skills training, paid work experience,
education support, industry-recognized certifications and direct job placement
assistance,'' McClenahan said. ``We are proud to invest in Indio's future and
look forward to working alongside local leaders, families and employers to
empower young people with the skills, confidence and opportunities they need to
thrive.''
  

The center operates through a partnership between county leadership,
workforce development partners, employers, education, training organizations
and other nonprofits, officials said.