YouthWorks’ Longstanding Partnership with Rec & Park

The Recreation & Parks Department has been an invaluable YouthWorks partner for 13 years, providing financial support and hosting youth interns throughout our program’s history.  Over the past year alone, Rec & Park worksites hosted 43 YouthWorks internships at 14 different sites throughout San Francisco.

Here’s a snapshot of the work YouthWorks interns did at a handful of Rec & Park sites around the City last summer:

At Hamilton Pool, interns had an opportunity to gain customer service skills as they interfaced with pool clients and assisted with daily activities. Interested youth interns also got the opportunity to participate in lifeguard training courses, an experience which will open future employment opportunities to our program graduates.

At the Eureka Valley Recreation Center, interns had an important role in supporting the set up and implementation for recreational activities including baseball and basketball. They also assisted recreation leaders in running their Tot Picasso program, where they teach youth 5 years and under the basics of creating art.  Marcus Mack, who was placed at the center, reported, “One of the most rewarding experiences working at Eureka Valley was having great people to work with and working with the kids. I liked that the staff all come from different walks of life and I really enjoyed just speaking and having fun with the young children.”

At the Golden Gate Senior Center, mentor Victor Lee’s youth interns got valuable experience working with seniors. Interns reported that they enjoyed giving back to the community in a unique way.  Interns also gained event planning and other transferable skills by scheduling and organizing seasonal events, classes and birthday parties.

Pictured:  YouthWorks staff present a “Program Sustainer Award” to Recreation and Park’s General Manager Phil Ginsburg and Superintendent of Parks and Open Spaces Ana Alvarez.