HOT SPRINGS, Ark. — A bold and inspiring initiative is taking root in Hot Springs thanks to the successful launch of the CSO YouthBuild – Hot Springs program, backed by a $1.6 million dollar grant from the U.S. Department of Labor. Over the next three years, this community-based workforce development program will serve young adults aged 16-24 – especially those who have faced barriers to education and employment – by providing them with job training, academic support, and life-changing opportunities.
The grant has been awarded to the Community Services Office (CSO), whose vision and tireless advocacy led to the funding of this initiative. CSO has been a fierce champion for youth and family empowerment for more than 60 years, and they are excited to bring this opportunity to residents of Garland County.
“YouthBuild represents the heart of what CSO stands for—hope, opportunity, and transformation,” said CSO Executive Director/CEO, Leslie Paschal Barnes. “I knew our youth needed more than just services—they needed a structured, supportive pathway to success. This grant allows us to build that pathway from the ground up.”
CSO YouthBuild – Hot Springs will provide participants with hands-on training in high-demand industries such as construction, healthcare, information technology, hospitality. At the same time, the students will work toward earning their GED or high school diploma, participating in leadership development activities and engaging in community service projects, such as renovating homes and businesses, and contributing to local beautification efforts.
Key features of the program include:
Jenny Martinez, CSO Chief Operating Officer, serves as the CSO YouthBuild Program Director, overseeing the strategic implementation of the grant and ensuring programmatic alignment with CSO’s mission. Erika Castillo plays a vital role as CSO YouthBuild Case Manager, offering one-on-one support to participants, coordinating services, and helping guide each young adult through the program’s educational and employment journey.
“This isn’t just about training—it’s about transforming lives,” said Gregory Craig, YouthBuild Job Developer. “We are not only preparing these young adults for jobs but equipping them to become leaders and change-makers in their community.”
YouthBuild is a national program funded by the U.S. Department of Labor, but each site is uniquely designed to meet the needs of its community. Thanks to Paschal-Barnes’ leadership and insight, the Hot Springs program will focus heavily on local workforce gaps, particularly in skilled trades and healthcare, while also addressing critical needs like affordable housing and youth unemployment.
This program will serve as a model for what can be done when visionary leadership, federal support, and community engagement come together,” added Craig.
Recruitment is currently underway, and CSO invites local employers, volunteers, and educators to partner in the effort to uplift and empower youth in the Hot Springs and Garland County areas.
For more information or to apply, visit https://csoark.org/who-
HOT SPRINGS, Ark. — A bold and inspiring initiative is taking root in Hot Springs thanks to the successful launch of the CSO YouthBuild – Hot Springs program, backed by a $1.6 million dollar grant from the U.S. Department of Labor. Over the next three years, this community-based workforce development program will serve young adults aged 16-24 – especially those who have faced barriers to education and employment – by providing them with job training, academic support, and life-changing opportunities.
The grant has been awarded to the Community Services Office (CSO), whose vision and tireless advocacy led to the funding of this initiative. CSO has been a fierce champion for youth and family empowerment for more than 60 years, and they are excited to bring this opportunity to residents of Garland County.
“YouthBuild represents the heart of what CSO stands for—hope, opportunity, and transformation,” said CSO Executive Director/CEO, Leslie Paschal Barnes. “I knew our youth needed more than just services—they needed a structured, supportive pathway to success. This grant allows us to build that pathway from the ground up.”
CSO YouthBuild – Hot Springs will provide participants with hands-on training in high-demand industries such as construction, healthcare, information technology, hospitality. At the same time, the students will work toward earning their GED or high school diploma, participating in leadership development activities and engaging in community service projects, such as renovating homes and businesses, and contributing to local beautification efforts.
Key features of the program include:
Jenny Martinez, CSO Chief Operating Officer, serves as the CSO YouthBuild Program Director, overseeing the strategic implementation of the grant and ensuring programmatic alignment with CSO’s mission. Erika Castillo plays a vital role as CSO YouthBuild Case Manager, offering one-on-one support to participants, coordinating services, and helping guide each young adult through the program’s educational and employment journey.
“This isn’t just about training—it’s about transforming lives,” said Gregory Craig, YouthBuild Job Developer. “We are not only preparing these young adults for jobs but equipping them to become leaders and change-makers in their community.”
YouthBuild is a national program funded by the U.S. Department of Labor, but each site is uniquely designed to meet the needs of its community. Thanks to Paschal-Barnes’ leadership and insight, the Hot Springs program will focus heavily on local workforce gaps, particularly in skilled trades and healthcare, while also addressing critical needs like affordable housing and youth unemployment.
This program will serve as a model for what can be done when visionary leadership, federal support, and community engagement come together,” added Craig.
Recruitment is currently underway, and CSO invites local employers, volunteers, and educators to partner in the effort to uplift and empower youth in the Hot Springs and Garland County areas.
For more information or to apply, visit https://csoark.org/who-
HOT SPRINGS, Ark. — A bold and inspiring initiative is taking root in Hot Springs thanks to the successful launch of the CSO YouthBuild – Hot Springs program, backed by a $1.6 million dollar grant from the U.S. Department of Labor. Over the next three years, this community-based workforce development program will serve young adults aged 16-24 – especially those who have faced barriers to education and employment – by providing them with job training, academic support, and life-changing opportunities.
The grant has been awarded to the Community Services Office (CSO), whose vision and tireless advocacy led to the funding of this initiative. CSO has been a fierce champion for youth and family empowerment for more than 60 years, and they are excited to bring this opportunity to residents of Garland County.
“YouthBuild represents the heart of what CSO stands for—hope, opportunity, and transformation,” said CSO Executive Director/CEO, Leslie Paschal Barnes. “I knew our youth needed more than just services—they needed a structured, supportive pathway to success. This grant allows us to build that pathway from the ground up.”
CSO YouthBuild – Hot Springs will provide participants with hands-on training in high-demand industries such as construction, healthcare, information technology, hospitality. At the same time, the students will work toward earning their GED or high school diploma, participating in leadership development activities and engaging in community service projects, such as renovating homes and businesses, and contributing to local beautification efforts.
Key features of the program include:
Jenny Martinez, CSO Chief Operating Officer, serves as the CSO YouthBuild Program Director, overseeing the strategic implementation of the grant and ensuring programmatic alignment with CSO’s mission. Erika Castillo plays a vital role as CSO YouthBuild Case Manager, offering one-on-one support to participants, coordinating services, and helping guide each young adult through the program’s educational and employment journey.
“This isn’t just about training—it’s about transforming lives,” said Gregory Craig, YouthBuild Job Developer. “We are not only preparing these young adults for jobs but equipping them to become leaders and change-makers in their community.”
YouthBuild is a national program funded by the U.S. Department of Labor, but each site is uniquely designed to meet the needs of its community. Thanks to Paschal-Barnes’ leadership and insight, the Hot Springs program will focus heavily on local workforce gaps, particularly in skilled trades and healthcare, while also addressing critical needs like affordable housing and youth unemployment.
This program will serve as a model for what can be done when visionary leadership, federal support, and community engagement come together,” added Craig.
Recruitment is currently underway, and CSO invites local employers, volunteers, and educators to partner in the effort to uplift and empower youth in the Hot Springs and Garland County areas.
For more information or to apply, visit https://csoark.org/who-
