Thanks to $100,000 grant, troubled youth will get more help turning their lives around



MILWAUKEE -- A grant awarded to the City of Milwaukee will help troubled youth to turn their lives around, and provide more resources to help them succeed.

Juveniles recently incarcerated and those who have a criminal history will now have a chance to redeem themselves.

"I want them to succeed when they get out," said Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett.

Mayor Barrett, along with several other organizations, including officials with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, announced Monday, May 2nd that the city has received a $100,000 grant to provide resources to help at-risk youth with education, housing and employment.

"It's an important investment in our nation's youth and our future," said Antonio Riley, HUD Midwest regional administrator.

Overall, the goal is to help juveniles to become better prepared for opportunities that come about and help them overcome obstacles they may face as they re-enter the community.

"This is going to be helpful making that soft landing, so they can have the skills they need or deal with the problems they have, so they can get back in the job market," said Mayor Barrett.



"We are going to expunge, seal and correct records when appropriate. We're going to get rid of the hurdles that prevent them from finding work and getting into school, and securing the affordable place to call home," said Riley.

Francesca Yerkes



Francesca Yerkes is a success story.

"I feel like I could live now," said Yerkes.

She was losing out on job opportunities because of a mistake she made as a 17-year-old mother.

" decided to steal a shirt, a poor decision. It was on my background for a while, not able to get jobs," said Yerkes.

She was later hired after getting help to have the ticket expunged.

"I feel like I can do anything," said Yerkes.