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San Joaquin youth build storage shed for HOPEs Raymus House
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Young carpenters finish a storage shed project at the Raymus HOPE Family Shelter on South Union Road. The completed structure will be used to hold donated items to be used in the shelter program. - photo by GLENN KAHL
San Joaquin County youth carpenters completed an 8x8x8 storage shed this week at the HOPE  Ministries Family Shelter on South Union Road.

It was all part of a yearlong training program that is a federally funded partnership between the San Joaquin County Office of Education and the San Joaquin Housing Authority.

SJCOE public information officer Jacqueline Ratto said the mission of the partnership is to assist under educated and unemployed young adults between 17 and 24 who are working toward their high school diplomas or their GED.

They learn construction skills while building affordable housing while developing leadership skills by their involvement in the community.

Ratto said the students often secure apprentice level jobs within the construction industry after graduating from the program.

“We provide a comprehensive program that focuses on non-traditional approaches to education and paid on-the-job training,” she said.