TALLER SAN JOSE 24 - 2011 - Laserfiche WebLink

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construction training program and serves the affordable housing contracting needs of Orange County cities and developers. Wherever possible, it incorporates green products and practices with the goal of enabling low income residents to benefit from energy efficiency related cost savings. By targeting an under -served niche in the affordable housing sector, focusing on smaller joint venture projects on which larger developers might not otherwise competitively bid, Hope Builders creates an on-going stream of self -generated revenue to support the parent non-profit, Taller San Jose. In Fall 2009, through a partnership with the City of Santa Ana and Orange County Community Housing Corporation, Hope Builders completed construction of three single- family homes in Santa Ana's Logan neighborhood. Homes were sold via a lottery to qualifying low-income Santa Ana residents. Currently, Hope Builders employs a crew of 3 Construction Academy graduates and is completing capital improvements at Phoenix House. This summer, Hope Builders will break ground on two single-family homes in Santa Ana's Delhi Neighborhood. Young people in Santa Ana, who have not completed high school, who have no defined job skills, and who have criminal records face a number of significant obstacles to self-sufficiency. TSJ's Case Managers help students address these barriers to employment through regular mentoring and life skills sessions and follow up with students for up to 24 months after graduation. Upon arrival in the program, all WIA-enrolled students will be matched to a case manager who conducts an initial assessment and develops goals with the student to help them show up every day and on time to increase their likelihood of remaining enrolled in the program. Case Managers challenge students to complete the following seven goals: Obtain a high school diploma; Open and use a bank account; Learn basic computer skills; Secure a job with a living wage; Remain crime free and drug free for one year; Register to vote; and, Obtain a valid driver's license. Staff provides monthly childcare vouchers and bus passes to help alleviate students' childcare and transportation needs. Case Managers also offer a weekly life skills program based on FuturoNow's Love Notes curriculum. Love Notes is a relationship skills and decision-making program aimed at helping individuals achieve their goals in relationships, family and marriage. Taller San Jose's two full-time job placement coordinators help students develop resumes, conduct job searches, prepare for interviews and ultimately link graduates to employment. The Employment Coordinators and Alumni Services staff provide 24 months of follow up services, working to connect underemployed or unemployed graduates to additional education and training that can help them move up the career and wage ladders in their industry. All follow-up services include intensive support for the first 90 days after placement. As graduates acclimate to the workplace, meetings with staff mentors occur on a bi-weekly or monthly basis. Alumni Incentives (S 10 gift cards) are given for proof of employment at 30 and 90 days after placement. The career center is open until 7PM every Wednesday to ensure that alumni have adequate access to this resource. Taller produces a quarterly alumni and student newsletter, Standing Taller, which has a circulation of roughly 500 individuals. The publication highlights student success stories, inspirational messages and upcoming events sponsored at Taller. A special Students & Alumni page is featured on Taller's website and includes information outlining additional training opportunities, upcoming workshops and employment opportunities. Alumni can also electronically update their contact information and request additional support services via the website. 4 Exhibit A