CAC’s Youth Corps Members Recognized for a Second Year of Achievements at Local Celebration

The Santa Barbara County Youth Corps program, a program of Community Action Commission of Santa Barbara County (CAC), celebrated a second year of achievements by Corpsmembers at a celebration at Lake Cachuma this week. Forty-one Corpsmembers received certificates, either for their completion of an occupational skills training course, such as OSHA 10 construction safety training, or for their personal accomplishments within the Youth Corps program.

Several youth received more than one certificate, such as Eric Bueno, 19, from Lompoc. Eric received certificates for First Aid/CPR training, OSHA 10, Window Installation Specialist Certificate, and Outstanding Work Ethic. “He has taken every opportunity given to him to participate in training/certification courses, and is a mentor to the other youth. He has taken them under his wing and encouraged them to attend Allan Hancock College,” said his Case Manager.

The celebration began with a barbeque and a slideshow featuring some of the youth at their recent high school graduations. A short ceremony followed, at which Joyce Ruiz, Youth Corps Program Manager, and Jim Mangis, Youth Program Coordinator for the Workforce Investment Board, honored the youth, and the certificates were handed out. Afterwards, the youth received Ben and Jerry’s gift certificates, which had been donated for the youth who attended the celebration.