Council Member Elizabeth S. Crowley Meets With Greater Ridgewood Youth Council

On Sept. 7, Council Member Crowley joined Greater Ridgewood Youth Council President Bob Monahan and about 30 young adults to celebrate their successes as participants in the GRYC/Young Adult Internship Program, a new initiative funded by the Department of Youth and Community Development.

Council Member Elizabeth S. Crowley with Greater Ridgewood Youth Council President, Bob Monahan, Assemblyman Mike Miller and GRYC kids

The YAIP is a 9 month employment program that serves young adults ages 16-24 who have been disconnected from school and work.  Participants are placed in positions where they can learn more about a particular field of interest and build on personal strengths, talents and interests. These young adults also partake in workshops such as work readiness, financial literacy, health education and career awareness.

Through these opportunities, young adults from the area gain valuable experience in a wide variety of professional fields. Participants become familiar and comfortable in a work environment and gain better insight into what career path they may pursue. What begins as an internship very often turns into post-graduation employment for those who participate.

This year Council Member Crowley set aside $47,000 in discretionary funds for the G.R.Y.C. to run extracurricular programs that provide children of all ages with opportunities to excel. The GYRC is the largest independent youth serving agency within Community Board 5 and serves over 1,400 youth and families on a daily basis.

Council Member Elizabeth S. Crowley said, “The Greater Ridgewood Youth Council offers extremely effective programs which consistently turn out capable, well-prepared young adults. While businesses benefit from employing bright, creative students, these teenagers gain invaluable hands-on experience. The G.R.Y.C. is a win-win opportunity and a solid investment in the future of our children.”