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The youth mechanics program “Tried and True” has been housed since 2015 at a shop in the city of Wyoming.  The Lakes Center for Youth & Families mechanics skills program started to outgrow its space, and, through a great collaboration process with a local school district, the small engines program has found a new home at Forest Lake High School.

Executive Director for Lakes Area Center for Youth and Familes Matt Howard, who succeeded recently-retired Jeanne Walz, said, “We have been fortunate to have the support from many school districts in the recruitment of youth. Since our home office is in Forest Lake it made sense to start the expansion here.”

School Principal Jim Caldwell added, “I could not be prouder of this partnership. It has been a springboard ...around creating opportunities for students to gain hands-on experiences ...this is just a drop in the bucket as to what is to come.”

The program will use a portion of the Forest Lake district maintenance building and volunteers and program staff moved everything over from the original site in Wyoming, the first part of this year.

Engines (machines) repaired by Tried and True participants include weed whips, lawnmowers and snow blowers. Sale of the operational items helps fund the program.  Jim Goserud is supervisor. Teens ages 15 and older are participants and learn from volunteers, such as Bob Vining.

To donate to the program or make a purchase, or if you know a youth who wants to apply to participate:  see www.sites.google.com/view/triedandtrue Or reach out to the program manager 651-464-3685.

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