For Immediate Release: July 9, 2019

United Way of the Midlands Awards $36,000 Grant to Collective for Youth for the Train to Gain Program

Omaha, Nebraska.  Collective for Youth is pleased to announce it was recently awarded another $36,000 grant from United Way of the Midlands.  Thanks to the generosity of the United Way donors, 300 youth professionals in the Train to Gain program will be able to participate in professional development and receive training in areas to enhance their listening skills, learn how to collaborate with others, resolve conflicts and solve problems. Staff in the youth serving fields will take their new found skills and advance within their job responsibilities or organization structure.

The Train to Gain program is integrated into United Way’s financial stability goal of supporting the development of essential interpersonal, academic and technical skills to gain and sustain a living wage job. The Train to Gain Program is executed through a series of ten classes lasting four hours each, a progression of on-site coaching opportunities, several day long seminars and by participating in a citywide learning community.

The Train to Gain program also touches United Way’s Education goal of providing wrap around supports to ensure Omaha’s children come to school prepared to learn the academic and essential skills. Research indicates that quality out of school programming makes a significant impact on student success.

Collective for Youth assists organizations in building high quality programs. Programs cannot be considered quality without well-trained staff. Providing training is critical to achieving skilled youth workers and programs that support student success.

With the help of this grant, Collective for Youth is able to offer 1,200 hours of one on one coaching and 75 hours of interactive training to youth workers and their mangers in the Train to Gain program.

“United Way’s support for this program is greatly appreciated by Collective for Youth and this significantly helps to professionalize Omaha’s out of school time field in a positive way, thanks to all who made a contribution,” said Megan Addison, Executive Director of Collective for Youth. 

About United Way of the Midlands: Thanks to donors, volunteers and community partners, United Way of the Midlands (UWM) is not only focused on addressing our community’s human needs today; it is focused on what can be and what should be. It is building on today’s strong partnerships to create even more comprehensive human service efforts tomorrow, so our community can solve some of the root causes of poverty. UWM is community-based, community-focused. Thanks to those who share their strength, UWM is COMMUNITY STRONG. Please visit www.UnitedWayMidlands.org for more information

About Collective for Youth: Collective for Youth is a connector for advocacy, resources, and training for out of school time providers. Located in 33 school based sites and serving more than 7,400 students, Collective for Youth is committed to connecting youth to high quality programs and to growing a community of thriving partners who ignite the imagination and grow the minds of youth.  Please visit www.Collectiveforyouth.org for more information.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Megan Addison, Executive Director
Collective for Youth
402-932-2025 X 1003
maddison@collectiveforyouth.org 

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