January 2012

Volume 1, Number 3

Letter to Alumni and Green Career Center Participants

Happy New Year to all! As I reflect on the past year, I think of the
words of my favorite author, Khalil Gibran, when he writes in The Prophet; You are not enclosed within your bodies, nor confined to house or fields. That which is you dwells above the mountains and roves with the wind. 2011 was a year of discovery and growth, not only for me, but for a lot of you as well. I have seen many of you overcome adversities and you overcame them solely because your desire to change was greater than the barrier set before you. As in the quote, labels are not contingent on what others think or believe about us but what we think and believe about ourselves, and please believe me when I say we have the potential to be great. I have watched some of you transform right before my eyes, day in and day out. The commitment for change is apparent. I am happy to report that accomplishments in 2011 include 87 of you being gainfully employed and five of you pursuing higher education. These acquisitions are a powerful testament that confirms we are not defined by our past. I look forward to 2012 knowing that it can only get better as we strive for growth personally and communally, and strive for justice for those who are deserving of second chances. Barbara Marengo Career Coach

Green Career Center (GCC)

The Green Career Center connects formerly incarcerated individuals to employment opportunities in the growing Green job sector, training people for sustainable career pathways and placing them in jobs that support their growth, their families, and the environment.

Tradeage.com

LED Bulb
Do you know the difference between an LED vs. CFL light bulb?

CFL Bulb

LED is more expensive; however, it is more energy-efficient than CFL bulbs. CFLs do emit mercury, so use proper light bulb disposal methods.

Green Career Center: From Graduate to Staff Member

Sean Brailsford is a graduate of the Green Career Center and is currently a Program Assistant for the Green Career Center. We interviewed Mr. Brailsford about his experience coming home from prison working with the Green Career Center. We talked about his fears, as well as barriers he experienced as a formerly incarcerated individual. After being released from prison, the biggest barrier that I felt was in my way was the stigma of being a felon. In the back of my mind, there was always the fear that Ill be seen as a felon first, and a person second, for the rest of my life. I knew that it would take a lot of work, and only my perseverance would show, not only to employers and society, but to myself, that Ive changed. What opportunity did you see for yourself by going to the Green Career Center? I thought that the Green Career Center would be a great opportunity because they deal with the formerly incarcerated. I felt that this would be a place where I wouldnt have to dodge questions about his felony, and that alone gave me a great sense of confidence.

Have you read the book Silent Spring, by Rachel Carson? Silent Spring is considered to be the driving force behind the Urban Environmental Movement. The book alerted audiences about the negative effects of pesticides on people and the environment. Time Magazine listed Professor Carson as one of the 100 Most Influential People of the 20th Century.

Partner
Karma Builders gives formerly incarcerated men and women tools for success and good karma.
809 Westchester Avenue, Bronx, New York 10455
http://karmabuilders.org/

http://www.osborneny.org/programs/programs.cfm?refer=programs&programID=16

January 2012
How did your vision for your career change during your time at the GCC? I thought that I would enroll in GCC for the six-week training and then seek employment. However, after the training, I was introduced to many opportunities, which I took advantage of. Now I have a better grasp of what Green means I understand that Green is not only about recycling. What struggles did you overcome to earn your certificates? My biggest struggle during the training was learning how to be a hands-on worker, because most of my experience has been in an administrative capacity. Before, I had no experience in construction, electrical or anything that GCC was offering. Now I am comfortable working with my hands. What is next for you? To learn more about the Green industry, I completed other training at Hostos Community College, the Association for Energy Affordability, and Solar One. I am now certified as a Basic Air Sealer and Insulator and Occupational Safety and Health Administration. I have certificates in Plumbing and Electricity, Energy Efficiency Technician, and Building Performance and Electrical Retrofitting. Seans work involves giving his peers opportunities that he himself took advantage of. By Cesar Yoc

Volume 1, Number 3

GCC Graduates: Where are they now?

Michael Ayers is a Green Career Center graduate. Mr. Ayers had lived in Harlem all his life. Now hes decided to move to the Bronx to be near his daughter and granddaughter. He loves being a grandfather and wants to share his success with them. During the interview, Mr. Ayers spoke about what he learned from the Green Career Center training and Solar One, a training partner. After the six-week training, he wanted to know more about the Green Economy and gain more experience. He took the Energy Efficiency Technician (EET1) course at the Association for Energy Affordability (AEA), where he developed skills such as retrofitting lights. After completing the EET1 course, he sought further training and completed the Electrical and Plumbing course at Hostos Community College. From there, he returned to AEA and took the Basic Air Sealing and Insulation course. Having nearly finished fulfilling the course requirements, he reflects on his enthusiasm for learning about the Green Economy. He will go on to take the Building Envelope and Building Analyst courses at AEA as well. He said, Everybody that is willing to know about the Green Economy should contact the GCC, and added that the training gives him a competitive edge over those without Green job training.

By Cesar Yoc

Criminal Justice Study

The Council for Court Excellence completed a study that determined that 46% percent of formerly incarcerated individuals were unemployed. The report listed employment barriers and potential employer concerns. The study surveyed over 500 formerly incarcerated in Washington DC. Similar trends are occurring in other cities around the country. Unlocking Employment Opportunities for Previously Incarcerated Persons in the District of Columbia by the Council for Court Excellence, 2011

Imprisoning a young person between the ages of 16 and 25 for any amount of time, reduces their work time over the next decade by 25 to 30 percent.

Job Tip
Follow-up is critical when searching for employment. When a prospective employer calls you, it is prudent for you to return the phone call within 24 hours. Time is of the essence. The job market is supply and demand. Youre the product and there are tons of you. Adjust accordingly. -Megan Pittsley

Get Out, Get Green

Green Biz Forum January 25th, 2012
See our Green Calendar: www.osborneny.org/programs/greenCal.cfm?programID=16

809 Westchester Avenue, Bronx, New York 10455

http://www.osborneny.org/programs/programs.cfm?refer=programs&programID=16