Last week, young leaders from YouthBuild North Shore took the initiative to clean up the North River in Peabody, and their efforts made a significant impact. Together, they removed an incredible amount of debris, including a grocery cart, a suitcase, a bicycle, and even a television, along with several bags of trash that do not belong in our waterways.
The North River is an essential part of the Salem Sound watershed. By clearing out large items and litter, YouthBuild participants are helping to restore healthier conditions for our watershed and raising awareness about how our daily choices affect the water we all share.
This cleanup was not only about picking up trash; it also served as a hands-on learning experience and a way to make a positive community impact. YouthBuild is a workforce development program for young adults ages 16 to 24, providing individualized support, education, and job training while they work toward earning their High School Equivalency Diploma. Throughout this journey, participants build skills in fields such as construction, culinary arts, and healthcare, while also growing as leaders through projects that give back to the community.
The North River cleanup is a perfect example of how YouthBuild helps young people see the difference they can make. Their hard work shows that with care and commitment, we can protect our waterways and strengthen our communities together.
