By Nathaly Bernier
The Campaign for Migrant Worker Justice’s (CMWJ) Homies Youth Empowerment Program was created for (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) TANF-eligible Lucas County residents aged 14-24. It was created for those involved with the program, to take responsibility for making better our quality of life in our neighborhoods. It is a sixteen-week course where students learn the principles of community organizing, civic engagement, job readiness, and more.
Since the program is funded by the Lucas County Department of Jobs and Family Services, students get paid for attending class. During the summer, internships are available through various community sites in Lucas County. Interns, like CMWJ’s Summer 2025 interns, Wilneris Quiones Ramos age 18, and Edhen Gregory age 17, joined the Homies program “to interact with their peers and gain valuable experiences.” Twice a week, they intern with CMWJ Homies Youth Empowerment Program Recruiter, Nathaly Bernier. They help with recruiting youth in the community to the program at places such as the libraries, neighborhoods, recreational centers, etc. Wilneris Quiones Ramos, a 2025 graduate of Waite High School and psychology major at the University of Toledo, says that “the program has helped her gain confidence, comfort, and a more outgoing spirit.” Edhen Gregory, a rising junior at Anthony Wayne and enrolled in Penta Career Center for Cosmetology, felt “encouraged by staff to speak up and talk to more people.” Overall, both interns have felt a positive impact within themselves by participating in the Homies program.
If you are interested in joining the Homie Program, please contact Nathaly Bernier at nbernier@cmwj.org
