City summer group connects troubled teens with Sandy recovery jobs

A group of teens who’ve gotten into some trouble will have a second chance and in return, they’re helping to restore neighborhoods devastated by Superstorm Sandy.

Mayor Michael Bloomberg was on hand for the summer launch of the YouthWRAP Monday which will connect 450 teens on probation with paid part-time jobs.

The teens will work at various locations that were hit hard by the Oct. 29 storm, such as Coney Island and the Rockaways on projects to restore homes, businesses and other locations in those communities.

“It really is a good news story,” Bloomberg said. “Kids have gotten off the beaten path but they understand they're trying to repair their destiny and get back on the right road.”

YouthWRAP began in January and most of the teens who were involved in that semester will continue for the seven-week program this summer.

In addition to community service hours, they will receive a stipend.