CAMDEN — The CRIB (Community Responding In Belief) program of Hopeworks ’N Camden has been benefiting from the Jon Bon Jovi Soul Foundation, established by recording artist Jon Bon Jovi.
In fact, according to Mimi Box, executive director of the foundation, Hopeworks was provided with start-up funds for CRIB that allowed the project to open its doors to its first residents last September.
Without any publicity or reporters present, on Sept. 15, 2010, Bon Jovi toured the CRIB site at 517 State St. in North Camden with staff members while also talking to the youth at Hopeworks.
Mimi Box said, those young people who are able to earn a job through Hopeworks and who are pursuing an associate degree at Camden County College, may live at The CRIB and share meals. The program provides a steady environment for those youngsters who have come from a disruptive background.
Hopeworks offers two programs for the youth in the city involving technology training and job opportunities. In conjunction with this there are academic support and formation.
Day Training program is held Monday-Friday from 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. The program for in-school youth meets from 3:45-6 p.m. Monday-Friday throughout the school year. Call 856-365-4673 to find out how to apply for either of these programs plus learn about Hopeworks’ other projects.
Additionally, a video was produced that highlights what the Soul Foundation was able to accomplish since its founding in 2006 and after teaming up with Hopeworks and other organizations.
Hopeworks uses a curriculum that teaches youngsters how to build websites for clients. Once completing this training, students can get jobs in Hopeworks’ web business. But the main goal is to have students continue their education which includes learning to produce videos for clients.