Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard joined Congresswoman Grace Napolitano, Congresswoman Diane Watson and Robert Zardeneta, Executive Director of LA CAUSA YouthBuild, in welcoming Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis to the “United We Serve” kick-off event held at LA CAUSA YouthBuild at 1117 Goodrich Blvd .  United We Serve is a campaign initiated by President Obama to encourage Americans to volunteer within their communities from June 22nd to September 11.

Since 2003, LA CAUSA, Inc. (Los Angeles Communities Advocating for Unity Social Justice and Action) has partnered with YouthBuild to provide on-the-job construction training to young adults in the community through the construction or rehabilitation of residential units for low-income families.  The program is designed to instruct low-income at-risk young adults in various construction specialties such as carpentry, drywall, roofing, tile work and exterior and interior painting while the students also work toward obtaining their GED or high school diploma.

During her remarks, Secretary Solis thanked Congresswoman Roybal-Allard and her colleagues on the House Appropriations Committee for their support of the Department’s programs. 

Congresswoman Roybal-Allard told the audience, “As an appropriator, I will continue to work with my colleagues and Secretary Solis to make sure YouthBuild USA and organizations like it receive the federal funding they need to continue their life-changing and inspiring work.  To YouthBuild’s staff, participants, community partners and volunteers who are answering the President’s call to serve, I thank you for your contributions, your time and your efforts that help to strengthen our families, our communities and our nation.”