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Baltimore Archdiocese Requests Money For Summer Jobs Program

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- Opening your wallet for our city's youth. The Archdiocese of Baltimore is calling on the public for donations.

Tracey Leong explains how this will go to securing the youth jobs.

This weekend, Catholic parishes will be taking special collections at all their masses to go towards Baltimore's summer jobs program.

A call to help Baltimore's young people. The Archdiocese of Baltimore hopes to collect funds to secure jobs for 8,000 city youth.

"As we saw with the unrest in Baltimore, youth need a place to go and they need something to do and they need an opportunity," said Sean Caine, Baltimore Archdiocese director of communications.

The Baltimore summer job program needs $1.5 million. One hundred and fifty-four parishes in Baltimore are helping the program reach the goal with a $100,000 pledge. Caine says the program exposes teens to work experience and career opportunities.

"Hopefully show them with a commitment on their part to try and learn a skill, stay in school, that there is hope. There is a future that lies out there that's better than the one they have," he said.

The summer job program is for young people 14-21, securing a future for our younger generation.

"Give the kids something to do...off of the streets," said Gregory White.

White grew up in Baltimore. After witnessing the riots and violence that erupted in the city, he believes now is the time to invest in our young people.

"To see that, it shows me what the city needs for the kids," he said.

The program will place young people in public sector and private sector jobs, matching them with their career interests.

For more information on how to donate, click here.

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