An Atlantic City casino has donated more than $35,000 to an Atlantic City youth program that a partner helped start.
Turning Point’s Leaders in Training Program was launched last year as a way to provide jobs and opportunities to at-risk youth.
It was established by Rev. Collins Days of Second Baptist Church and Hard Rock partner Joe Jingoli.
“This job creation program for Atlantic City youth comes at a critically important time and I am pleased to join Rev. Days, the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority and Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City in this initiative,” Jingoli said. “Summer jobs within their city gives youth a sense of pride, ownership and accomplishment.”
The program, LIT for short, includes partnerships with the Atlantic City Police Department, Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office, city government, the Fellowship of Churches and Atlantic County.
The program also received a grant of $325,000 from the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority.
There are now nearly 200 participants engaging in community cleanup efforts during the eight-week program.
“We are proud to support this important effort that provides the youth within our community critical growth opportunities, positively impacting their future,” said Joe Lupo, president of Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City.