Cassandra Vick (410) 234-0209
Coordinator, YO! McKim Center

Pat Waddel (410) 396-6722
YO! Baltimore

Jannette Witmyer (410) 396-9928
Communications Manager, MOED

Baltimore, MD -- The Baltimore Youth Opportunity (YO!) Movement proudly announces the grand opening of YO! at the McKim Center, 7 South High Street, Baltimore, MD 21202, on Wednesday, July 31, 2002 at 11:30 a.m. The center is located in Baltimore’s East Harbor Empowerment Zone Village and welcomes the public to its grand opening celebration.

An initiative of the Baltimore Workforce Investment Board Youth Council, Mayor’s Office of Employment Development and multiple partners, YO! serves young adults, ages 16 through 21, living in Baltimore’s Empowerment Zone communities. From basic job-readiness training to college admission and sports to performing arts, the program addresses the youth-development needs of participants. Over the past two years, YO! Baltimore’s four centers have assisted approximately 2,000 youth, with 414 participants gaining employment, 58 enrolling in college and 28 completing GEDs.

“Very often our members have dropped out of school and have complicated circumstances that impair their potential to be constructive citizens. We are eager to provide a friendly environment with caring adult staff where youth can make new friends and learn important life skills,” shared Cassandra Vick, YO! at the McKim Center coordinator.

“This is an exciting initiative that is part of the Mayor’s effort to prevent youth violence by offering meaningful, dynamic programming for youth living in some of our city’s most challenged neighborhoods. We feel fortunate that the United States Department of Labor believed Baltimore would benefit from receiving a Youth Opportunity Grant. We were one of 36 cities to receive these awards and one of four of the largest grant recipients,” said Karen Sitnick, Director of the Mayor’s Office of Employment Development.

YO! at McKim’s hours of operation are 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, and 12:00 noon to 4:00 p.m. on Saturday. The phone number is 410-234-0209.

For additional information about YO! Baltimore and center locations, visit www.yobaltimore.org or call 410-361-9292.