Students Unveil Mural with Positive Message

 “Our Future”

Twelve Lincoln West High School students are spreading a positive message for fellow youth who will view their newly painted mural on the wall inside the Hispanic Urban Minority Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Outreach Program (UMADAOP) Youth Center located at 3115 Scranton Road. The mural was unveiled during a special reception on Tuesday, May 27. 

The community service project is collaboration between the Job Link Program of Linking, Employment, Abilities and Potential (LEAP) and the YouthAbility program sponsored by the Jewish Family Service Association (JFSA) of Cleveland.

The mural was designed and painted by the students from the Job Link Program, with supplies donated by the Home Depot in Steelyard Commons. Youth Ability connected these students with the Hispanic Center for this opportunity.

“I'm highly impressed with the work and commitment of the students toward this project,” said Erika Rios-Sparks, Job Link Coordinator at Lincoln West High School.  “It's amazing to see how they've taken one small idea and turned it into something great.”

The students immediately took ownership of this project by creating their own message and design, deciding what colors to use, contacting various stores to request donations, shopping for materials, and committing their time to create their mural everyday after school. 

“Getting my students to think on their own and be independent is my goal,” said Rios-Sparks.  “This project has provided them the opportunity to practice these skills and to be a part of their Hispanic Youth Center's history.  I have much to be proud of.”

 LEAP’s Job Link Program is a youth development and employment program to assist high school students with disabilities to make a successful transition from school to employment and adult community life. The program instills the attitudes, behaviors, and skills needed to obtain and retain employment and become successful, contributing members of their community. LEAP is an affiliate of Lutheran Metropolitan Ministry. 

YouthAbility is a unique program that integrates students who have a disability into their community through volunteer work.  Service to the community is an excellent way to build life skills and improve job readiness. The YouthAbility Program is predicated on the philosophy that volunteering can serve as a bridge for people with disabilities to full inclusion and participation in our community.

The Hispanic UMADAOP Youth Center helps youth of all backgrounds to develop the qualities needed to become responsible citizens and leaders, and to attain success in academic and vocational pursuits.  The purpose of the HYC is to provide a safe haven for Hispanic youth, where they can enjoy a variety of recreational, cultural and educational activities.