(Fredericksburg, VA) – Employment Resources Incorporated, a not-for-profit organization with offices in Fredericksburg and Montross, conducted the 2009 YouthBuild Graduation Ceremony in Montross on Tuesday, June 30. The program was held at Employment Resources office on 112 Peach Grove Lane.

“YouthBuild is a federally funded program that teaches young people the construction trade and prepares them for employment in the construction industry,” said Joan McLaughlin, President of Employment Resources Incorporated (ERI). Employment Resources received a $700,000 federal grant from YouthBuild USA in 2007 to run the program for two years. “Wal-Mart became a partner with ERI and awarded an additional grant for $100,000 for the program in June 2008,” said McLaughlin, “which really meant a lot to the program and our graduates.” 

Delegate Albert C. Pollard (D), representing the 99th District in the Virginia House of Delegates, was the graduation’s Keynote Speaker. Delegate Pollard received letters this year from some of the YouthBuild graduates regarding the program and other issues. “We are excited to have Delegate Pollard come and address our 2009 class of nine graduates and their families who live in Westmoreland, Northumberland and Essex Counties,” McLaughlin added.

ERI has become an affiliate member of YouthBuild USA. Founded in 1990, YouthBuild USA is a national nonprofit organization that works to unleash the positive energy of low-income youth to rebuild their communities and lives. It supports an expanding nationwide network of 226 local YouthBuild programs including ERI’s program. YouthBuild USA orchestrates advocacy for public funding, guidance and quality assurance in program implementation, leadership opportunities for youth and staff, and grants and loans to YouthBuild USA affiliates.

Employment Resources Incorporated (ERI) serves the city of Fredericksburg and multiple cities and counties in the Northern Neck and Rappahannock region. ERI also operates the Gladys H. Oberle School in Fredericksburg, an accredited private special education alternative day school for middle and high age children. Its mission is to provide youth with the education and skills they need to become successfully employed, self-sufficient and contributing members of their community. ERI also provides employment training programs and services to the adult workforce and employers in their service region