Special to The Mississippi Link
Under the recent economic stimulus act, Mississippi will receive an additional $18,876,000 in federal funds for youth employment programs. But do such efforts make a lasting difference? Some argue the benefits are fleeting, that young people from impoverished backgrounds are nearly beyond help. Just don’t tell Cor’Daryl Quinn or Rashonda Amos.
Had he not signed up for Operation Reconstruct, says Quinn, 20, of Jackson, “I wouldn’t be doing much of nothing.” But nine months after completing the program in August 2008, he’s working full-time as a roofer, using construction skills he learned in the program. He’s doing landscaping on the weekends. And making good money. He also earned his high school diploma.
Cor’Daryl’s classmate Rashonda Amos, 22, also from Jackson, agrees. Were it not for Operation Reconstruct, she says, “I would probably be doing nothing.” Instead, she works full time for a company that helps the frail elderly remain in their homes. She cleans, shops, runs errands, and drives them to appointments. “I love helping people,” she says, “and my job includes health benefits.” While in the program, Amos earned her GED and a spark was lit. “Once I got my GED, I wanted the best for myself,” says Amos, a single mother of daughters ages two and three.
Operation Reconstruct aims to strike similar sparks in 40 disadvantaged Jackson area young people each year. The program, which opened in May 2008, is operated by a partnership of two national organizations, The Paxen Group, based in Melbourne, Florida, and the Home Builders Institute (HBI), the workforce development arm of the National Association of Home Builders, based in Washington, DC. The Mississippi Department of Employment Security (MDES) funds the program under the Workforce Investment Act (WIA).
Paxen and HBI each bring a proven record of accomplishment. During the first two weeks of the 12-week program, students work on employability skills and prepare to take the GED exam using a curriculum developed by Paxen. In addition to bearing down on reading, math and social studies, students prepare for the world of work through role plays, “dress for success” events, mock interviews and resume-writing.
Operation Reconstruct is also designed to assist students find jobs and continue their educations.. Students receive one-on-one job search to transition directly into the work force. Students also receive college enrollment assistance, such as completing applications and tracking down grants and scholarships.
Quinn and Amos both praise Program Manager Machelle Kyles for her energy, patience and persistence. “Miss Machelle kept me going,” says Quinn. “I learned how to talk to people and how to find a job. She even drove me to job sites. I got hired that way, on a Friday, right on the spot.” Amos said the Paxen curriculum taught her valuable lessons in money management and decision-making, as well as job search skills. “The program helped a lot,” says Amos. “It made me want to do something.”
During the remaining ten weeks of the program, students strapped on tool belts, donned hard hats and safety glasses, and began learning basic home construction skills. Using a curriculum developed by the Home Builders Institute, an experienced instructor provided hours of hands-on training in carpentry, framing, materials selection, safety, tool use and other skills. Among other things, they built a mock studio apartment in their shop and did community service projects, such as laying floor tile at Holy Temple Church and repairing a Boy Scout camping trailer.
For Quinn, the construction training was a major attraction. When he earned HBI’s Pre-Apprenticeship Certificate of Training (PACT), Quinn said “I felt like a graduate. I felt like I could start something and finish.” For Amos, the GED preparation drew her to the program. She thought construction “was a man’s world,” and her opinion hasn’t changed. Still, Amos says she can do repairs around the house, including plumbing, and laying tile. She even built a doghouse.
Operation Reconstruct also helped energize the future plans of both Quinn and Amos. Quinn, who plays organ, drums and piano, plans to enroll in college to study music performance and management. Amos plans to begin courses soon at Hinds Community College in pursuit of her goal of becoming a registered nurse.
A paid training program, Operation Reconstruct is currently recruiting. Class starting soon. Call (601) 594-2617 or (601) 969-2806.
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