In 2000, the Department of Labor awarded a five- (5) year national Youth Opportunity (YO) Grant to the City of Baltimore. HEBCAC was a local partner in the development of the grant and received funding to operate the Eastside YO Center that provides comprehensive, one stop shop services to primarily out- of- school, unemployed youth, ages 14-22, who reside within the Empowerment Zone boundaries.

The YO Center has, to date, offered wrap-around services to over 750 enrolled youth. Program components include assessment, case management, and referral as appropriate to an array of services to ensure success as young adults in the workforce and the community. YO provides its members with on-site literacy/GED preparation classes, job readiness, skills training, life skills, social/recreational activities, leadership development, job placement and retention. The program has also established strong partnerships with Sylvan Learning Center, Bayview Medical Center (who offer mental health and substance abuse screening) and the STRIVE program, all of whom provide their services at the Center.

The HEBCAC YO staff includes 10 case advocates, 3 job coaches, 3 job developers, 2 educational instructors and 3 administrative staff.

For more information contact: Calvin Street at (410) 732-2661 or cstreet@hebcac.org .