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image of group of people with signsWHAT: 
The City of New Rochelle will host an official launch and press conference for the R.E.A.D.I. program on Wednesday, June 27, 2018 at 12 Noon. READI represents the workplace attributes Westchester businesses look for in youth they hire.

The acronym means: Respect, Enthusiasm, Articulate, Dependable, and Initiative. The event is organized by The Westchester-Putnam Workforce Development Board, My Brother’s Keeper Challenge, Westchester Children’s Association, and the Guidance Center of Westchester.

Additional partners involved with bringing the curriculum to New Rochelle this summer include Councilmen Jared Rice’s Office, Westhab, Inc., New Rochelle High School, New Rochelle Youth Bureau, Boys and Girls Clubs of New Rochelle, and New Rochelle Chamber of Commerce, and The Westchester Bank.

WHO:
George Latimer, Westchester County Executive
Thom Kleiner, Executive Director, Westchester-Putnam Workforce Development Board
Allison Lake, Executive Director, Westchester Children’s Association
Damon R. Maher, Legislator, 10th District
Terry Clements, Legislator, 11th District
Jared Rice, New Rochelle Councilman, 3rd District
Jennifer Lanser, Executive Director, New Rochelle Chamber of Commerce
Robert Hayes, President, New Rochelle Chamber of Commerce
John Tolomer, President of The Westchester Bank
New Rochelle School Board
New Rochelle Library Board of Trustees
Youth Testimonial—completed READI training
Employer Testimonial—Hired youth who completed READI training
Representatives from Partner agencies; The Guidance Center of Westchester, My Brother’s Keeper

WHEN:
Wednesday, June 27, 2018, Noon
12:30 p.m. George Latimer, Westchester County Executive

WHERE:
New Rochelle City Hall (Front Steps)
515 North Avenue
New Rochelle, NY 10801
(Public Parking Available)

WHY:
In November 2011, The Westchester-Putnam Workforce Development Board (WPWDB) appointed an ad hoc committee to examine the attributes that businesses look for when they hire youth and to develop a strategy for helping teens prepare for the work experience and learn the professional conduct expected by employers. The committee was comprised of representatives from local colleges, universities, businesses, business membership organizations, youth services organizations, and religious organizations.

The committee recommendations became what is now called R.E.A.D.I.— an acronym that stands for Respect, Enthusiasm, Articulate, Dependable, and Initiative. It is an interactive curriculum that teaches the attributes listed in a fun and engaging way over a few weeks. The curriculum is available to any organization in Westchester and Putnam counties interested in helping youth prepare for the workforce and get employed.

This event is a unique opportunity to learn about the READI program, hear from the partner agencies who have trained staff members to deliver the READI curriculum to youth, and other stakeholders invested in the community. Highlights will include how the program benefits the youth, result to date, and future plans and goals.

VISUALS:
50+ Youth from across the City of New Rochelle who have participated in READI and/or are scheduled to participate.

  • READI curriculum posters showcasing the READI attributes
  • Employers who have given jobs to youth who are “Workforce READI”
  • Community will learn about READI, how to get trained, how to bring READI to your organization and community

We anticipate you having an opportunity to interview our agency partners to discuss how the READI program will provide hope and opportunity to the community and future workforce.

This event is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served after the speaking program.

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Media contact
Sherry Bruck
Harquin Creative Group
(914) 738-9620
sbruck@harquin.com