Profiles of the YouthBuild AmeriCorps Graduate Volunteer Corps

Francisco Arroyo (Yuba City, CA) is a 2006 graduate of Yuba County YouthBuild in Marysville, where he served as the substance abuse peer counselor. In this role, Francisco facilitated classroom trainings and group sessions that achieved results and student participation in the program not previously realized. "I wanted to help out, get a better education in the construction field, and do something with myself. I came here to become somebody positive. I wanted to make my family proud. I want to be the first strong male role model in my family; be the first man to get a diploma. My mom is happy!"

Mario Atkins (Aurora, IL) is a 2005 graduate of YouthBuild Aurora who enjoys boxing and electronics. With a personal goal to take advantage of all opportunities, Mario looks forward to benefiting from the rebuilding experience, particularly by strengthening his construction and leadership skills.

Matt Chapman (Live Oak, CA) is a 2006 graduate of Yuba County YouthBuild in Marysville, where he earned a reputation as a hard worker, willing learner, and exceptional framer. Matt hopes the knowledge that he gains from the rebuilding effort will help him find a good job, and he also looks forward to "helping a bunch of people that are in desperate need."

Darnell Daniel (Columbus, OH) is a 2005 graduate of the YouthBuild Columbus Community School, where program staff respected his independent thinking, teamwork, and discipline, as well as his appreciation of the value of community service. "I would like to be of assistance because I know what it is like to lose everything, feel helpless and emotionally imbalanced. Darnell looks forward to "gaining experience in the construction field and building a network of supportive and positive people."

Joshua Doyle (Weymouth, MA) is a 2004 graduate of YouthBuild Quincy, where he was the first in his class to receive his GED. He is passionate about carpentry and hopes to join the union after strengthening his construction skills through the rebuilding project. "I came here because I wanted to give back to the program - it helped me get away from all the trouble I was in. It's a good opportunity to do some work and really help people that need the help."

Travis Elmore (Medford, OR) is a 2006 graduate of Rogue Valley YouthBuild, where he was consistently early to work, motivated, dependable, and honest. Travis considers this rebuilding project as an opportunity to "become the person I want to be." Having lived with his family for his entire life, Travis is eager to "see what life is really like out on my own."

Lakia Evans (Syracuse, NY) is a 2006 graduate of Jubilee Homes YouthBuild. She is very passionate about construction and wants to pursue a career in the field. "I see this as a great opportunity to give back because I would be helping to build homes and lives for families going through a homeless experience. YouthBuild showed me that building a home is just like building a life, and they both go together."

Darnell Fountain (East St. Louis, IL) is a 2006 graduate of Tomorrow's Builders YouthBuild, where staff say he demonstrated "a drive to succeed that is beyond his years." Darnell says, "I know what it's like to lose family and friends - that's one of the biggest reasons I want to help. I can't wait to be a helping hand in every way I can."

Elva "LeRoy" Fredrick (Olivehurst, CA) is a 2006 graduate of Yuba County YouthBuild in Marysville, where program staff said he was one of the hardest-working people on the work site. LeRoy views the rebuilding project as an opportunity to better his own life as well as a chance to help those in need. "I want to make their lives happier and healthier."

Jose Guerra (San Jose, CA) is a 2003 graduate of YouthBuild San Jose, where he was engaged in many leadership activities, and displayed a knack for carpentry and good work ethics and people skills. Polishing his leadership ability is something Jose hopes to do through this experience, which he is very excited about: "When I was offered the position I was overwhelmed with joy and happiness. I really have no words to explain how much this project means to me."

Brian Hale (Sun Prairie, WI) is a 2006 graduate of Operation Fresh Start in Madison, where because of his perfect attendance and ability to learn quickly, he was selected to serve as an assistant supervisor. Program staff describe him as mature, responsible, and diligent, and someone who believes in a bigger cause. Brian looks forward to "building up my construction skills and putting the skills I already have to use" in Mississippi, in preparation for a carpentry career when he returns home.

Otis Hamilton (Marysville, CA) is a 2006 graduate of Yuba County YouthBuild, where he proved to be a hard worker, self-motivated, and someone who "loves to help others." He is certified in heavy equipment operation and enjoys training others on Bobcat vehicles and the backhoe.

Joseph Hartsfield (Youngstown, OH) is a 2004 graduate of YouthBuild Mahoning, where he demonstrated leadership skills by serving on the program's Policy Council and YouthBuild USA's national Young Leaders Council. He has a passion for construction and has more than a decade of experience in industrial roofing, asphalt, demolition, and renovation. "YouthBuild helped me a lot, and I feel I owe a favor for a favor - I'm doing a favor for the people of Gulfport, and at the same time, it's a learning experience for me. I'm learning to better my construction skills and how to deal with different situations in a positive way. I never lose focus of what I came down here to do."

Marshall Leonard (York, PA) is a 2000 graduate of Crispus Attucks YouthBuild, where the Assistant CEO said, "All his life he has been focused on giving back to his community. Marshall is hardworking and very creative. He is an excellent painter and carpet installer and does a great job refinishing floors." Marshall currently serves as president-elect of the program's alumni chapter and has volunteered with several youth programs in the community, assisting with conflict mediation, homework, and peer counseling.

Christian Parks (Brockton, MA) is a 2006 graduate of YouthBuild Brockton, where he developed a passion for and aptitude in construction. The program's construction trainer believes that with his current level of workmanship, Christian could enter the union as an apprentice. Christian is most looking forward to the "experience of doing something that I have not had the opportunity to do at all in my life."

Vince Wanzer (Battle Creek, MI) is a 2006 graduate of YouthBuild Battle Creek, where he proved to be hardworking, resourceful, creative, intellectual, courageous, punctual, and upbeat, with a generous sense of humor. Vince notes how participating in this rebuilding project helps him honor his uncle, who was killed seven years ago: "He had always tried very hard to be a good example to me. He would tell me how important it was to help others, and I would see him living that example in our neighborhood." By joining this rebuilding project, "I would in many ways be following in his footsteps. If he were to look down at me from heaven, I'm sure he would smile and know he had done well in teaching me."

John Wilcox (Chautauqua, NY) is a 2005 graduate of Jamestown YouthBuild in Mayville, where he impressed the program manager with his self-assurance, adaptability, and the way he had created a good life for himself and his brother. John was invited to serve on the Board of Directors of the YouthBuild program's parent agency. John looks forward to "learning new construction skills" and "seeing how people react to getting a chance to start over in a new or rebuilt home."