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Two Philly youth surprised with cars for job success
Local non-profit NOMO surprised two young people with cars as a reward for their achievements and provided job opportunities and resources to hundreds of youth.
PHILADELPHIA - Two young people were surprised with cars Wednesday as part of a local non-profit’s effort to reward youth for their achievements and help them access new job opportunities.
NOMO rewards youth with transportation for success in programs
What we know:
Two young people received vehicles from NOMO, a non-profit that stands for New Options More Opportunities, after successfully participating in programs designed to help them find employment.
The initiative is part of NOMO’s youth driving program, which is funded by the city of Philadelphia's Office of Public Safety and additional grants.
The cars were given to help the recipients get to jobs they earned through the program. NOMO says the goal is to remove transportation barriers for young people who need reliable ways to reach work.
Hundreds of youth attend event for summer job opportunities
21-year-old John Winchester received a Ford Escape and said, "When you see the stuff, they’re doing for us and everyone else all the other students and potential participants coming in, you can feel every ounce of love, support and help."
Winchester, who is now a second-class mechanic with Septa, added, "Getting to and from so I’m not taking public transportation and moving whatever tools I need to whatever job sites I need to work at."
20-year-old Liara Lis Santiago was also surprised with a car. "Oh, I wasn’t even expecting this," she said. Santiago was chosen for her achievements, including being named Eagles athlete of the year, school district scholar of the year and her recent acceptance into a carpentry program. "They called me up for this and then I got a car to go to work," said Santiago.
NOMO Executive Director Rickey Duncan said, "They got gift cards, they got full tanks, and they got four-year warranties on their cars we wanted to make sure they have everything they need. But most importantly they got job opportunities because each one of their jobs required them to have a car and license."
Hundreds of young people also attended the event at NOMO West to sign up for driver’s license programs, working papers and summer employment.
"Inside they’re signing up for their for the driver’s license program, working papers and we’re giving away 300 jobs today and summer youth employment opportunities," said Dawan Williams, VP of Restorative Justice for NOMO.
Senator Sharif Street attended to show support, saying, "Those are life-changing opportunities for a lot of people."
The event focused on helping young people get the tools and resources they need for a productive summer, including transportation, paperwork and job offers.
The Source: Information from NOMO Foundation.