Each summer, Philadelphia Parks & Recreation hires young people ages 14 to 18 to work in recreation centers across the city for six weeks. This employment program, a partnership with the Philadelphia Youth Network, is called WorkReady.
For the past two years, the youth workers have participated in a “Charity Challenge” program. Youth select a nonprofit and raise money for that organization while working for Parks & Rec.
This year, the WorkReady youth raised $23,314, far surpassing last year’s donation total of $16,600. Charities selected by youth this year included:
- Child Life Center at CHOP
- Animal Care and Control Team (ACCT) Philly
- Habitat for Humanity, Philadelphia Division
- Katie Kirlin Fund
- Storm the Heavens
- Sunday Breakfast Rescue Mission
- Women Against Abuse
- Philabundance
On August 9, Parks & Rec hosted a ceremony at Venice Island Performing Arts & Recreation Center where WorkReady youth presented each charity with a check for the amount they raised.
In addition to awarding the Charity Challenge funds, Parks & Rec recognized 20 extraordinary youth workers at the event. Worksite monitors nominated these young people for their work ethic and leadership skills.
Congratulations to this year’s WorkReady youth! Thank you also to the leaders, monitors, and staff that helped make the second Charity Challenge a success!
