West Palm Beach teenagers selected to be CityPlace Ambassadors start work

It's the first day of work for a handful of young adults chosen to be CityPlace Ambassadors. 

 

Ready to serve and inform, a new group of ambassadors took the oath to be the eyes, ears, and communicators for the public at CityPlace.

 

"This is a great opportunity for you, have fun with it," said West Palm Beach Police Chief Sarah Mooney.  

 

The program is fueled by a partnership between CityPlace and the West Palm Beach Police Department. 

 

"They're my pride and joy," said CityPlace Regional Security Director Willie Perez.

 

Perez recruits high school students needing a little guidance and responsibility. 

 

"I like to look at kids that are having a hard time, kids that we can make a difference in their lives," said Perez.

 

Marshon Brown, 18, is a veteran ambassador who hopes to be a police officer someday. 

 

"I just feel it's in my blood. I love to give back to the community," said Brown 

 

Marcus Davis, 16, sees being an ambassador as a chance to do the right thing. 

 

"The job helped me get back on track, stay out of trouble," said Davis. 

 

Everyone here comes from a West Palm Beach neighborhood. Jameriah Robinson said his time as an ambassador has changed the way he leads in his neighborhood. 

 

"I see something, I speak up about it," said Robinson. 

 

"They get exposed to what we do, they interact all the time and it gives them a leg up if and when they're ready to go into a longer term career," said Chief Mooney.

 

The program is in its third year. There are four more positions this year. A total of 6 ambassadors are paid to work Fridays through Sundays. Perez hopes to grow the program each summer.