HOLLAND (WHTC) — Holland Youth Connections could receive up to $15,000 from an anonymous donor if the total amount is matched through community donations of any amount, according to a City of Holland press release emailed to media Thursday afternoon.
Holland Youth Connections is a program aimed at keeping teens out of trouble by offering them summer jobs. It is a joint operation of the city and Escape Ministries. Last year, 178 teens were employed; this year, according to Escape Ministries’ executive dirctor, Willie Watt, 200 are targeted.
City officials and Watt say it costs $1,000 for one teen to have a 10-week job. The city’s statement indicates juvenile crime has dropped 45 percent since the summer jobs program started in 2013.
City Manager Ryan Cotton indicated contributions will be tax deductible and anyone who wants to donated can write a check out to the City of Holland, with “Holland Youth Connections” on the memo line to designate the donation. Donors will receive receipts, according to city officials
