Construction Corner Quarterly Newsletter |
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From the desk of Pat Daniels, Executive Director |
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Happy Spring!
It is such an exciting time at Constructing Hope. The first quarter of 2021 has blessed us with some significant new and expanded partnerships that will truly change the future for our program, our participants and their families.
In February, we were so honored to be among 8 Portland nonprofits to receive a grant as part of Nike's Black Community Commitment to make a difference in the lives of our Black community. The $250,000 grant will be used for organizational stability & capacity building, program capacity building and program participant direct support. In addition, funds will provide a paid program fellowship at $5,000 per participant for 20 program participants this year.
Our Workforce Training Center expansion is well underway. We are grateful for the funding partners who have made this project possible. Prosper Portland saw our vision and committed $300,000 towards the project three years ago. In March M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust also made a significant investment of $243,500 to complete the expansion. We look forward to moving back into our larger space in the next quarter. I hope you will all be able to join us for our Expansion Reveal Event that is scheduled for July 15!
Just last week, we received the exciting news that Constructing Hope was selected as the lead recipient for Portland Clean Energy planning and implementation grants totaling $600,000 for a consortium of Constructing Hope, Oregon Tradeswomen, POIC and Portland YouthBuilders. PCEF is working to make clean energy, carbon reduction and a healthier environment a reality. Most importantly bringing low-income Portlanders to the forefront of living wage careers in the green industry.
I couldn't be more excited for what's ahead for Constructing Hope. The growth trajectory we are on, and the additional impact it will make possible for the future inspires me everyday!
With gratitude,
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Quarterly Mentoring Event
Our March 16 Virtual Mentoring Event was an opportunity for our current students, graduates and community partners to meet our new staff, and learn more about all that we offer.
Attendees also had an opportunity to hear from industry contacts. Ivan Castille with LiUNA Local 737 and Joel Gonzalez with Local 49 Oregon Southwest Washington Roofers both shared what makes Constructing Hope graduates successful. Constructing Hope Graduate Gerry Jones, owner of Gerryn Energy, shared his own story of success and the role Constructing Hope has played in his life.
Our next quarterly mentoring event will take place on June 10. Watch our website and social media channels for more details!
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Workforce Training Center Expansion Update
Progress continues on our Workforce Training Center Expansion, which expands our facility from 4,318 to 5,595 square feet. The expanded state of the art training facility will make possible additional training opportunities, and also provide the physical space for program expansion. The space will accommodate up to 45 students per class.
We are looking forward to moving back into our upgraded and expanded space this summer! We will be celebrating, and showing off our new digs at our Expansion Reveal Event on July 15, 2021! Save the Date and stay tuned for more details.
Our deepest gratitude to Prosper Portland, M.J. Murdock Charitable Fund, Hoffman Construction and Pence Construction for your financial support which makes this project possible.
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CALL FOR MURALISTS
We are looking for an artist to create an interior and exterior mural on our newly remodeled Workforce Training Center that reflects and honors the contribution of construction trade professionals that championed access for minority contractors, stakeholders/partners who have supported Constructing Hope and students who have participated in our Pre-Apprenticeship Program.
Interested? Learn more here.
Application deadline is April 20, 2021
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Want to purchase with purpose?
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Building Diversity Awards |
Congratulations are in order for Board Chair, Mel Jones and Board Member Angela Watkins for being recognized as 2021 DJC Building Diversity honorees.
Click here to learn more and register for the free Virtual Recognition Program on May 26.
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The Winter 2021 Class is already behind us! Our Virtual Graduation ceremony included a keynote address from Sean Beers, President of Portland Product Werks, LLC as well as inspiring words from Constructing Hope graduates Trenell Washington and Jani Turner.
We are excited to see what the future holds for our new graduates! Winter 2021 Graduate Chelsea Bennett has already started with Local 16 Sheetmetal. She is loving the hard work and sore muscles. Several other graduates have interviews scheduled with the trade they are entering and we have a couple that are utilizing short term gap employment options while they are waiting for interviews.
Our Spring 2021 Class kicked off this week, with 19 participants attending safety certification trainings.
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Spring Class Demographics:
48% African-American
5% Native American
5% Asian
16% Hispanic
26% Caucasian
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26% Female
74% Male
79% Justice Impacted
100% Low-income
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April 2021 Story of Hope
Gerry - Winter 2010 Graduate
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A graduate of Constructing Hope's Winter 2010 Pre-Apprenticeship Class, Gerry is now the proud owners of Gerryn Energy, a full-service electrical shop with a vision of a greener tomorrow.
Gerry's path to business ownership wasn't always an easy one. His story is one of perseverance, second chances, and a lot of dedication and hard work on his part. Gerry recently shared these words with our current students and other graduates, "I've been so blessed. If you stay focused and aim high, you can reach anything. I promise you. For me, it all started at Constructing Hope."
To read more of Gerry's inspiring story, visit the Stories of Hope section on our website.
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Visit our Calendar for additional events!
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Constructing Hope | 405 NE Church St., Portland, Oregon 97211 |
Phone: (503) 281-1234 | Fax: (503) 719-7685
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