The Corps Network News, October 2007

Featured Corpsmember

Name: Henry
Age: 23
Corps: New Jersey Youth Corps of Camden County/ The Work Group
Hometown: Camden, NJ

Life for a young man in Camden, New Jersey can be tough. Henry, of the New Jersey Youth Corps (NJYC) of Camden County / The Work Group, has experienced more in his 23 years than most people experience in a life time. Before his 23rd birthday in September, Henry had been shot, dropped out of school, and spent time in jail. Yet through all this adversity, Henry saw hope in his two beautiful children.

Henry needed someone to guide him down the right path because, as he says, his life was “heading down the wrong road.” Henry heard about NJYC from a family member and enrolled immediately. The Civic Justice Corps program has proven to be a perfect fit for Henry.

The program carefully balances academics and job preparation with service in the community. Each week Henry spends two days working on his academics and receiving help with job preparation. Henry says the NJYC helps with every aspect of getting a job, from help with developing a resume and applying for jobs to helping him set up and manage his bank account. Learning these new skills gives Henry hope for his future.

Two days a week, Henry completes service throughout the community. Henry has worked at the Lupus Foundation, Nature Center, and a homeless shelter. He says the community members he works with have given him and the other Corpsmembers a second chance and the community loves the work they do. Service gives Henry hope for Camden’s future.

Henry has been with the Corps for nine months and has big plans for life after the NJYC Civic Justice Corps program. He plans to start college in January, focusing his studies on social work. Henry hopes to serve as a mentor, just like the staff at NJYC.

Henry eloquently describes his experience at the New Jersey Youth Corps. He says the staff is “positive, open, and willing to take you in - they will meet you half way.” Henry also honestly describes himself. He says he wants to be a good father and that he was selfish before joining the Corps. Now he is just trying to do what is right. With the help of the New Jersey Youth Corps, it is clear that Henry is doing what is right.