‘Wrap-Around’ Services are Differentiator Mental health services, drug counseling, mentorship and job placement and re- tention support are available for an entire year after students graduate. Tis includes financial support, with money set aside to help students overcome hurdles such as transportation to their jobs, childcare, and other issues. “We’ve provided gas cards, Clipper
cards, and actually bought tires for stu- dents to help them get to work,” comment- ed Juanita Douglas, senior manager of construction & labor relations for Oppor- tunity Build. Te program also provides each student with their first uniform of boots, pants, and safety shirts as well as tool bags with tools at graduation. Douglas said the program’s com- prehensive, holistic approach is a key
differentiator that has made the program highly effective. “Opportunity Build has a whole year
wrap around service (for students) after they graduate,” she commented. “We have a full-time case manager, a career service manager, a program manager, and a director of programs. Tere are two mental health clinicians available for a full year after they graduate. Tat support is the reason I think this has evolved into such a successful program. Tey don’t want to let us down, and we don’t want to let them down.”
Firsthand Perspective: Juanita Douglas A passionate workforce development advocate with over 30 years of experience as a carpenter and a surveyor, Douglas joined Rising Sun as lead instructor for
Juanita Douglas
Opportunity Build five years ago prior to moving into her current position as senior manager of construction & labor relations. She played a pivotal role reshaping the hands-on curriculum and helping boost job placement and retention for students, drawing upon her own deep history and relationships with the local trade unions. Douglas brings a unique firsthand
CALIFORNIA CONSTRUCTOR NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023
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