SitemapThe Youngstown Neighborhood Development Corporation plays a big role in cleaning up Youngstown and making it look better.
Now, it needs more help. Dontae Madison is a member of YNDC's grass cutting and clean-up team. It's a full-time position, but you better not be afraid to work hard and get dirty.
"We're breaking up tubs or pulling up floors -- physically demanding -- so if you're not a hardworking person, this is not for you," he said. They also cut grass, board up vacant houses and even plant trees. These team members play a vital role with YNDC in maintaining a couple of hundred properties. "Our first team to go in, they get the property cleaned up. They clean out all the contents from inside the house, get things ready so our rehab team can do the construction work," said YNDC Neighborhood Stabilization Director Jack Daugherty. Though grass cutting sounds like a seasonal job, the cleanup team works year-round. Pay is $15 an hour. Benefits include vacation, a 401(k) plan and an office that changes every day outside. Madison grew up in Youngstown. For him, the work is also rewarding. "Just to see the change in neighborhoods and us cleaning up vacant properties is nice to see," he said.
"It's a lot of hard work, but it's rewarding work. You get to see how it impacts the neighborhood around us," said Daugherty. To read the full story from WKBN, click here.