UCC YouthBuild program participants called to strive for full potential at HS diploma ceremony

Before 14 young adults enrolled in the UCC YouthBuild program were handed their high school diploma certificates during a commencement ceremony hosted this month, program director Tasmeya Hall shared words of encouragement to graduates that a brighter future requires hard work and dedication.

“I don't doubt for a second any of the capabilities that each of you possess, but what I do wonder is if you are giving yourself the fair chance to exercise them,” Hall said.

During her commencement speech, Hall called on the young individuals seated in the front row of the Parsonnet Auditorium at Newark Beth Israel Hospital on June 20 to stymie thoughts of becoming complacent and to continue striving toward greater success beyond graduation day.

“Think about what would happen if you allowed yourself to prove to yourself that you are worth more than just this present moment. Each of you have so much to gain than to lose by striving for more, taking advantage of the opportunities in front you and finishing what you started,” she said.

Those opportunities are potential career and educational pathways that may have seemed out of reach for the graduates just months ago prior to enrolling in YouthBuild.

At UCC, the YouthBuild program works in partnership with Leaders for Life, the educational provider, to help opportunity youth earn their high school diplomas while attaining industry certifications and technical training in various industries. This includes construction training, certified nursing assistant, dental technician and dental assistant, home health aide, and phlebotomy.

Additionally, UCC YouthBuild takes a comprehensive approach to its curriculum with a special focus on life skills as its staff aims to empower program participants with a thorough, transformative education. The goal is to help ensure the young individuals can meet the demands of the modern-day workforce and contribute meaningfully to their communities.

However, the commencement keynote speaker, Desmond Durham, an accomplished educator and school leader, told the graduates that the pathway to becoming successful professionals and community leaders will be met with obstacles.

These obstacles, he said, take “courage, strength, and power” to overcome. This includes the hurdles graduates already triumphed in making it to their commencement.

“You took a different path. Maybe it wasn't a traditional high school route, but that doesn't make your journey any less valuable. In fact, it makes it extraordinary,” Durham said. “You chose to keep going when many would have stopped. You chose to believe in yourself when the world went out on you... You are powerful, and you are great.”

While graduation day was a cause for celebration, it was also a reminder of the long journey the young individuals have ahead of them as they continue with the program to earn their industry-accredited certifications and training.

As they move forward, UCC congratulates the YouthBuild graduates on their outstanding achievement.

Lasana Bamba, Jaden Caton, Sanaaya Gibson, Antoine Hanson, Evelyn Lamport, Bria Mack, Ramell Mallard, Solidat Motale, Noa Muhammad, Sarai Rouse, Jean Samedi, lyonna Simpson, Jeyleen Jimenez-Then, Jatavia Thompson

UCC hosted its 4th annual BBQ For a Cause Community Cookout at West Side Park this summer, bringing together Newark residents for an afternoon of food, fun, and vital resources.

The event, held on August 16, closed out an incredible summer season, offering not only delicious BBQ but also a variety of free services to support the community. Attendees enjoyed a festive atmosphere with grilled favorites, games, and activities for all ages.

However, the event was much more than just a cookout. UCC ensured that essential resources were available to those in need, including a free laundry trailer, grocery distribution, and on-site haircuts. These services provided immediate support to families and individuals, reinforcing UCC’s ongoing efforts to uplift the greater Newark community.

“BBQ For a Cause is one of our most cherished events,” said UCC Executive Director Craig Mainor. “It’s about more than just coming together for good food. It’s about building community, connecting people with the resources they need, and showing our neighbors that we’re here to support them in every way we can.”

UCC’s annual BBQ For a Cause was made possible by the generous support of Peapack-Gladstone Bank, and various partners including Wellpoint, Essex County Department of Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Affairs, Newark Centers of Hope, the New Jersey Office of the Attorney General, Hit Da Spot, InflaBounce House & Party Rentals.