February 2022

Construction Corner
Quarterly Newsletter
From the desk of Pat Daniels, Executive Director
Greetings,
 
2022 marks Constructing Hope’s 15th anniversary as an organization. With Black History Month underway, we are honoring the many contributions African-Americans have made in the construction industry across America. Some of those people are from right here in Oregon, and we couldn’t be more thrilled for the opportunity to celebrate the legacies of our local heroes.

We are proud of what we accomplished last year. In 2021, we have graduated 45 pre-apprenticeship trainees. Of those graduates, 33 are in apprenticeships (25 union and 8 non-union) in the following trades: bricklayers, cement masons, roofers, carpentry, electrical, laborers, steamfitters and equipment operators. See below for more detail. Our Winter* cohort is underway with committed pre-apprenticeship trainees who are set to graduate on March 22.

We continue to adapt and transition as an organization as well. Our Workforce Training Center Expansion Project is complete, and we are beginning to move back into our beautiful updated space.
It's such an exciting time at Constructing Hope, and we are so grateful for the many partners and community members that are by our side in this important work.
 
With gratitude,
Virtual Building Equity Program Info Session
Oregon's expungement laws have changed for 2022 since Senate Bill 397 went into effect January 1st. This quarter's BEP info session will cover those changes and how the may impact individuals.

Our info sessions are free for anyone who wants to attend, however, the services we provide will only be available for current trainees and former graduates still working in the trades.

Help us spread the word to those who may be justice impacted!

REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED to attend (no cost).
Register here
 
2021 Pre-Apprenticeship Graduate Summary

45 total graduates (4 cohorts)

33 graduates are in apprenticeships

5 graduates are in the application
process for apprenticeships

1 graduate is a Green Energy trainee

6 graduates are in pathway jobs

1 graduate is in the application process for a pathway job

3 graduates are working non trade job
Nike Fellowship Program Update

Last spring, Constructing Hope was 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. As a part of that grant, the Nike Fellowship Program was established. To date, 20 pre-apprenticeship trainees have been awarded a $5,000 paid program fellowship. These funds are used to help with housing, transportation and other necessary bills, and allows recipients to focus on their training during the 10-week program. We remain extremely grateful to our friends at Nike for their partnership and support of our pre-apprenticeship trainees.

Constructing Hope Murals
To honor the work that so many people have contributed in the fight for equality, we are having two murals completed, one on the outside of the building and one on inside.

A big thanks to all of the local artists that are working to make this project special:

Latoya Lovely
Kyra Watkins
Amaranta Colindres
Annabelle Araya
Now Accepting Applications for our Spring 2022
Pre-Apprenticeship Training Program
Are you or someone you know interested in changing your life with a career in the trades paying a true living wage? Now is the time to apply for our Winter 2022 Pre-Apprenticeship Training Program!

STEPS TO APPLY & TIMELINE:
  • Contact Rachelle at [email protected] or 971.352.7348
  • Attend a Virtual Information Session (Tuesday & Thursday at 1:30pm)
  • Application Deadline: March 11, 2022
  • Spring 2022 Pre-Apprenticeship Training: April 4- June 9, 2022
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We're Moving Into Our New Workforce Training Center!
We are excited to get our classrooms and office setup so that we can continue to provide services to both trainees and graduates of Constructing Hope. Want to help us set up our new space? Email [email protected] to sign up to volunteer!
Grand opening is scheduled for April 21st, 2022. More details to come, we hope to see you there!
February 2022 Story of Hope: Kavon - Fall 2011 Graduate
Kavon Bailey-Hall’s story is about preparation, perseverance and opportunity. Kavon joined the pre-apprenticeship program while still in high school, after trying different sports and programs left him wanting more for his career prospects.

He knew college wasn’t for him, still wanted to learn, make connections with other like-minded individuals and set himself up for success in the future. His goal is to help change stigmas around working in construction and wants young people to know that " The trades are not a last resort, but a great way to earn a living and live the life you want to live".

To read more of Kavon's inspiring story, visit the Stories of Hope section on our website.
Upcoming Events
  • February-December, Constructing Hope's 15-Year Anniversary
  • February 16th , Building Equity Program Virtual Info Session
  • March 17, 5:30-7:00: Virtual Mentoring Event (Grow Your Career)
  • March 22, Winter 2022 Graduation
  • April 4 - June 9, 2022: Spring 2022 Pre-Apprenticeship Training Class
  • April 21, 7:00 Workforce Training Center Grand Opening
  • June 27 - September 6, 2022: Summer 2022 Pre-Apprenticeship Training Class
  • September 19 - November 30, 2022: Fall 2022 Pre-Apprenticeship Training Class

Visit our Calendar for additional events!
Constructing Hope | 405 NE Church St., Portland, Oregon 97211 | 
Phone: (503) 281-1234 | Fax: (503) 719-7685
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