• Aisha Boyd
• Donna Cathey
• Marcel Cicero
• Matthew English
• Marie McFadden
• Naimah Spann
• Shawnette Taylor

matthew english - youth development specialist

Life Off the Streets

Matthew first came through the door as a youth trying to get out of the streets that had taken a devastating amount of his friends’ lives. He attended one of the Youth Businesses that OPP subcontracts with, Crunch Time, which is a recording studio. The program gave him a chance to notice his musical talents in addition to keeping him off the streets. Matthew tried hard to be consistent with the program and stay out of trouble. However, some of his demons were still haunting him, causing him to fall victim to his own desire to make money through any means necessary. Matthew really wanted to get out of the negativity and live an honest life. He knew that in order to do that he would have to change his state of mind and learn to trust the support system that he had in the program.

New Territory

At OPP Matthew had a Youth Development Specialist who told him about Job Corps. He loved the idea of job training and saw it as the perfect opportunity to get away from the streets. Matthew spent seven months at the facility where he obtained his GED, certificate in the Facilities Maintenance and much more self confidence. Matthew wanted to come back to his community and help make a difference for others.

Dedication

With new tools and a dedication to positive change, Matthew was ready to work but wondered where. So he went back to where he knew people that could help him-OPP. Matthew applied for a position of Youth Business Assistant Manager at River Wrights Boat Builders. He was hired in November 2005 and is still employed to date. Matthew loves his job and working with the youth. His life experience helps him stay focused and continue on his path of success.