American YouthWorks 2006 Workshop Presentation

Casa Verde Builders

¡Si Se Puede!

American YouthWorksAustin, Texas

Strengthening Family Award 2

Strengthening Families Through a Comprehensive Powerhouse

Education

Housing

EmploymentHealth

Advocacy


Casa Verde Builders’

VIP Population• 17 to 26 years old• Out-of-school young adults who want:

– Pathway to college or more - Further opportunities– Passport to personal success - Respect

• Graduates who want environmental skills or education award

• Single or partnered parents• Individuals or families with low incomes• Many are homeless, on probation or parole• Student Body:

– 55% Latino, 17% African-American and 28% Caucasian

http://americanyouthworks.org/default.htm




American YouthWorks Casa Verde Builders

Education• First Generation Charter School

– Self-paced and traditional classroom instruction Accredited High School Diploma Program– Self-Paced Computer-Assisted Classes– GED Preparation– Service-Learning Leader School

• Tutoring• Mentoring

– Job Shadowing

• Flexible class schedules


Awards for American YouthWorks and Casa Verde BuildersAmerican Youth Policy Forum’s List of Programs in 12 Communities Reconnecting Out-of-School Youth, 2006.

One of Texas’ 10 Best Reinvented High Schools, Texas Education Agency & International Center for Leadership in Education, 2006.

Nation Leader School for the YouthBuild USA Initiative. 2003.

President's Service Award, Points of Light Foundation, 1999.


HousingCasa Verde Builders has constructed over 90 energy-efficient, affordable homes for first time buyers.

Affordable housing is the primary need according to the 2005 City of Austin City Plan

Homes are constructed in the area of Austin where 85% of the Latino population lives

The majority of CVB homebuyers are Latino


In 2005, Casa Verde Builders was awarded the Gold Medal for Hot Climates from the National Association of Home Builders

Housing


Employment from Service

Members earn a living stipend and are required to attend school, advancing to graduation.

Members also earn an education award. A 12 month enrollment equals $4,725 toward college, trade or technical school.


Employment Skills• CVB members learn trade skills

through hands-on learning:– General construction skills

• Drywall, Roofing, Concrete and foundation pouring

– Green-Building construction techniques

• Job Skills taught:– Punctuality - Cultural Respect– Personal Responsibility - Leadership – Dealing with Authority - Teamwork– Higher Self-Esteem


HealthAmeriCorps members receive Health Insurance

If members choose to, they may add their children to the insurance

All American YouthWorks members have access to free or reduced healthcare through the RGK Downtown Youth Center for Health through a partnership with Peoples Community Clinic

http://www.pcclinic.org/

http://www.rgkfoundation.org/


Advocacy through CounselingThrough counseling, American YouthWorks and Casa Verde

Builders works to end family violence and self-destructive behaviors.

Members receive:– On site weekly “rap” sessions for crews– Individual Counseling – Family Counseling– Case Management

• Access to necessary social services– Food Bank– Transportation to healthcare and social services appointments

Our goal is to build strong individuals, families, neighborhoods and communities.

American YouthWorks will do whatever it takes.


Advocacy• Our staff advocates for progressive, fair and

equal treatment in culture and society.

• AYW encourages members to participate in national, state and local resources.

• AYW advocates for exemplary investment in youth, especially dropouts, homeless and offenders.

• AYW has participated in landmark legislative studies and initiatives.


Focus on Family• For the participants with children, stipends

for child care are provided.– This includes children who are cared for by a

family member

• AYW is looking for ways to break the generational cycles of low performance, abuse poverty and other obstacles.

• Celebrate cultural and family strengths for stronger parental and child success.

Advocacy


Career CounselingFinding a Path to Passion

• Job readiness training • Job-seeking assistance• Career preparation • Resume creation• Internships• Job placement assistance

Advocacy


Building a Better Community

Participants improve the Austin Community:Instilling Civic Responsibility and sense of belonging Increased tax revenue (+$500,000 in improvements)Help fill the need for affordable homesBetter trained workforce to earn a livable wageReduce drop-out ratesReduce recidivismVolunteering


Casa Verde Builders Neighborhood Renewal

• Increased Safety– Reduction in drive-by shootings, prostitution and

drug dealing on corners• Increased Neighborhood Communication

– Creation of Lincoln Gardens Homeowners Association

• Installation of Community Services– Sidewalks, streetlights and paved streets

• Eliminated graffiti, litter and dangerous traffic• Teen House

– Reduce homelessness


Results• 80% of participants advance one grade level or one construction certificate level

• 80% attain their high school diploma or GED

• 80% complete their term of service

• 80% obtain jobs paying a living wage

• 3 to 5 homes constructed annually

• $545,000 Increase in property value to East Austin


American YouthWorks Casa Verde Builders Program

• Contact– Richard Halpin, Founder/CEO

• [email protected]– Denise Meikel, Deputy CEO

• [email protected]

• (512) 236-6100• www.americanyouthworks.org

mailto:[email protected]

mailto:[email protected]

http://www.americanyouthworks.org/

Documents

American YouthWorks 2006 Workshop Presentation