YouthBuild Quad Cities

Rock Island

Brief History

YouthBuild Quad Cities has been operation since 2003 and has restarted in 2019 after a three-year shutdown due to funding.

Mission Statement and/or Core Values

YouthBuild Quad Cities is a wide-ranging youth and community development program. YouthBuild addresses several core issues facing our community simultaneously: education, housing, jobs, and leadership development. It uniquely addresses the status of unemployed young men and women who have not finished school and are searching for a productive future. YouthBuild Quad Cities allows young people to serve their communities and build their own future.

Student Demographics

Currently 9 students 16-18 years old’s – 4 African Americans, 2  Latinos, and 3 Hispanic of this we have two females and seven males.

Accomplishments

The biggest accomplishments will be the partnerships with the local agencies and schools. This includes Rock Island High School, Black Hawk Community College, City of Moline, Arrowhead Academy, Habitat for Humanity of the Quad Cities, Rock Island Rescue Mission, Illinois-Iowa Center for Independent Living and Project Now of the Quad Cities.

Programs Offered

  • Construction training 
  • Life Skills 
  • Career and personal counseling
  • Education and Leadership Development 

Career Pathways

  • Construction 
  • Trade 
  • Apprenticeship

Success Story

Leadership

  • Executive Director/Case Manager:  Rufus Greer, Jr.
  • Program Director/Construction Manager:  Koffi Gbenyo (his last name was spelled incorrectly)
  • Assistant to the Director/Bookkeeper:  Joni Kampner
  • Administrative Assistant:  Shelley Neuerburg

Contact Info

Address: 1800 3rd Ave., Suite 401, Rock Island, IL 61201

Phone: Office: 309-788-0899/Cell: 309-532-2656 

Contact Email: jrgreer52@icloud.com