DJS Partners with Habitat for Humanity to Teach Youth Vocational Skills

Seven youth from the Department of Juvenile Service’s (DJS) Backbone Mountain program were recently selected to participate in a “Youth Work Week” with Habitat for Humanity. The seven young men worked on four homes that were part of a 28 home project in the Hopeland Village neighborhood in Oakland, Maryland. Jerry Lynch, the Board President for Habitat for Humanity in Garrett County said of the DJS volunteers, “Backbone Mountain kids are great volunteers and we really appreciate having them.” A homeowner benefiting from their work said, “There is no way that we can repay you, but thank you so much.” Programs such as Backbone Mountain’s partnership with Habitat for Humanity are part of the O’Malley-Brown Administration’s goal to drive down recidivism in Maryland.