Lt. Governor Duffy recognizes Central BID's Work Readiness program

The students and CBID Executive Director Anthony Capece pose with Lieutenant Governor
Bob Duffy and Alphonso David, Deputy Secretary for Civil Rights for the governor's office. 

In appreciation, CBID Executive Director Anthony Capece presents a Work Readiness
shirt to Lt. Governor Duffy. 

The students who assembled in the Blue Room of the New York State Capitol on Friday were a little nervous. Most had never been to the seat of state government, let alone been congratulated by the governor's office. Then, in front of scores of cameras and reporters, Lieutenant Governor Bob Duffy began praising their hard work and drive. Meanwhile program instructors Kevin Fox and Emily Cody flitted around the room taking pictures of them like proud parents.  


Duffy, who was the mayor of the City of Rochester for four years and   
    police chief for 7 years prior to that, said he understands the role employment can play in keeping kids on track. "You can't expect people to make good choices if you don't give them good choices," Duffy told the crowd of reporters. He also talked about the positive impact the students could have on their families and communities, and the state's sagging employment numbers.


"We're very proud that the Work Readiness program is a project that's being recognized by the governor's office. We have a small but very effective team, and as a result, we've been able to do something that's good for our members, and at the same time, good for our community," says Anthony Capece, Executive Director for the Central Avenue Business Improvement District. 


"This state is not going to move ahead if you leave young people behind," said Duffy, and the $112 million invested in the NY Youth Works program by Governor Andrew Cuomo represents a significant commitment by the governor to the state's youth. So far, the program has funded dozens of programs across the state that have successfully trained 6,200 young people and supported the creation of 10,000 jobs.


Currently the program has more jobs than youth, prompting Duffy to issue a call for more youth to get involved in local programs like the Central Avenue BID's Work Readiness Program, Albany Youth Build, and Troy Youth Build.



"We hope this press event will get the word out to anyone who hasn't heard, to tell them that the NY Youth Works program offers tremendous benefits for them," says Capece. 


Employers also attended the conference. Rich Tanchyk, Vice President of H&V Collision Centers, an employer for Capital Region youth, told the audience he was proud of the kids working for him. "The key to the success of our company lies in these young people," said Tanchyk.

In March, the governor's office awarded the Central Avenue Business Improvement District $50,000 for its Work Readiness Program, a joint initiative of the Central Avenue BID, University at Albany School of Social Welfare, and Hudson Valley Community College Workforce Development Institute. Established in 2008, the Work Readiness Program provides job training, preparation, and placement for at-risk youth ages 16-24.