Shown (from left,) are: Rashid Griffin, Josaun George, and Kaylin Berry-Woods; Cruz Companies leaders Christopher Sonnie, John Cruz, III, Dareline Jackson and Justin Cruz; youth painting instructor Qween Ragland; and youth participants Sun Brown and Sterling Pina.

Dorcehster, MA The Cruz C.A.R.E.S. Summer Works Program celebrated its inaugural class of participants, highlighting youth painting homes at Harvard Commons; a new diverse community of 54 homes developed by Cruz Companies. 

“Our motto is ‘Cruz Cares’ and our mission is giving back to the community through opportunities like our exciting new youth works program,” said John Cruz, III, president and CEO of Cruz Cos., the oldest and largest minority-owned construction and development firm in New England.

Cruz Cos. recruited eight youth and one coordinator from the communities of Roxbury, Dorchester and Mattapan to participate in the program. Youth workers are between the ages of 14-18 and receive compensation for their work.

“The Cruz C.A.R.E.S. summer program has been an astonishing experience,” said Kaylin Berry-Woods, a 16-year-old student attending TechBoston Academy. “I thank Cruz Companies for giving me my first job, with an opportunity with to be a part of the administration and maintenance workforce this summer.”

The six-week program ran from July 5 - August 19,  and was launched in partnership with ABCD Summer Works.

“The Cruz C.A.R.E.S. program has been such an amazing learning experience for me,” said Donell Rankins, Jr. of Roxbury, a 15-year-old student at the John D O’Bryant School of Math and Science. “Being in the environment of not only an administrative setting, but also an artistic setting, has allowed me to develop the attributes of a successful businessman, painter, and leader within society.”

“I feel really appreciative to Cruz for giving me the opportunity to give back to my community and teaching me lessons and qualities that I will need later on in life,” said Sun Brown (also pictured), a 15-year-old student from Mattapan attending Foxborough Regional Charter School.

 Participants also volunteered for Cradles to Crayons and participatde in a financial literacy and resume writing workshop during the course of the program.