Mount Clemens recognizes youth conservation crew from Macomb Cultural and Economic Partnership

Mount Clemens commissioners on Sept. 5 presented certificates of recognition to the Macomb Cultural and Economic Partnership and three teens who took part in a pilot Neighborhood Conservation Corp this summer.

Ed Bruley of the Macomb Cultural and Economic Partnership introduced the program and said the crew worked two days a week along northbound Gratiot, Main Street and connecting streets, focusing on litter removal and neighborhood cleanup. "If you would go by on one of the two days a week that the young people were working, you wouldn't find one cigarette butt in the street," Bruley said.

Kathy Banks, who served as lead mentor for the program, told the commission the crew also learned workplace skills: showing up on time, preparing timesheets, safety precautions and how to cash a check. "We learned job skills ... we learned how to speak up more," participant Destiny said.

The mayor presented certificates to Destiny, Jamie and Chantelle and thanked the nonprofit for providing resources and mentoring. Commissioners praised the program's hands-on training: one noted the organization had stepped forward to hire and teach young people at limited cost to the city.

The recognition followed a short demonstration by the youth and remarks about the program's scope and locations. City officials encouraged the group to expand outreach and suggested the Mount Clemens Foundation and community partners could assist with future iterations.

No formal action was required; the presentation concluded with commissioners and the mayor thanking the participants and organizers.