Nonprofit Spotlight: Bay Area Youth Services/C-Core

Bay Area Youth Services/C-Core helps young people achieve personal goals that allow them to become assets in their communities.

In this week's nonprofit spotlight, we talked to Belinda Zientek about what the organization offers and how volunteers can get involved.

Patch: What is the purpose or mission of the organization?

Zientek: Construction Coaching Opportunities to Reach Employment (C-Core) is an industry-sponsored mentoring program for youth with promise and untapped abilities. The program, funded by a three year grant from the U.S. Department of Justice, aims to match 5,000 youth aged 16 to 18 with over 1,600 industry mentors recruited from home builders associations, National Association of Home Builders Student Chapters, other business organizations and local communities.

C-Core is provided in the Tampa Bay Area through a partnership with The Home Builders Institute and Bay Area Youth Services, Inc. HBI’s mission is to advance and enrich the education, training and placement of men and women in careers serving the workforce needs of the building industry.

Bay Area Youth Services, Inc. envisions a safer Florida where people experience the benefits of life resulting from the reduced risk of harm caused by juvenile delinquency. BAYS vision also includes a Florida where youth and families can achieve positive goals, such as: good health, improved personal, family and social relationships, educational and career success, and a crime-free lifestyle.

Patch: Who founded it and what year?

Zientek: BAYS was founded in 1982 by William F. Bowman who held the title of Executive Director and President until his retirement in December 2009. Under his direction, BAYS became and remains one of Florida’s largest Department of Juvenile Justice non-residential providers. Dr. Pam Alvarez joined BAYS as the Executive Director/President in June 2010. 

Home Builders Institute (HBI) was established in 1983 as the workforce development arm of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB). The creation of this non-profit corporation was a result of the merger of NAHB’s Manpower Development and Training Division, Education Department and the Education Foundation.

Patch: What are some activities that the organization has been involved in? Are those primary fundraisers for the nonprofit?

Zientek: C-Core focuses on exposing teens to possible career paths and new experiences. Teens in the program are able to attend meeting with guest speakers to learn about careers, educational opportunities and life skills. The teens participle in community service projects and have worked with Rebuilding Together Tampa Bay, Metropolitan Ministries and Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful. Teens also participate in fun activates with their mentors including sporting events, mini golf, go-carts, art projects and competitions, etc.

Patch: Why is the organization important for communities such as Carrollwood and Northdale?

Zientek: C-Core recognizes the importance of preparing teens to enter the workforce so they can be successful members of their communities. C-Core also works to build community attachment and pride through the community service projects.

Patch: How can the community get involved if they want to donate or volunteer?

Zientek: C-Core is always looking for community volunteers to mentor teens or give guest presentations. Please contact Belinda Zientek with BAYS if you are interested in mentoring or speaking. Contact Zientek at 813-728-3015 belinda.zientek@baysflorida.org.