Alliance Formed To Combat Unemployment Crisis In Dc Metropolitan Area - First Initiative & Test

Jan. 27, 2010 - PRLog -- The Alliance of Sustainability Job Growth (ASJG) has developed a plan to place thousands of unemployed and underemployed persons in the DC Metro area as weatherization and energy analysts.  

Unique in concept, the Alliance is a collaborative effort and is comprised of well known local organizations as well as key people from a variety of institutions and backgrounds who all have the same goal – job creation for the unemployed.  In particular, job growth in the green energy sector.

“It is important there are a number of organizations collaborating to develop a successful "green jobs" training program in Washington, D.C.  Such collaboration brings the best from those organizations closest to the people needing the training. Such collaboration in itself is a "best practice" that can be replicated around the globe.”

Dr. Sam Hancock, President & Executive Director, EmeraldPlanet

It has been nearly 3 decades since unemployment has been this high. In the past year and a half unemployment has more than doubled in Washington, DC. Currently unemployment hovers around 12% (40,000 unemployed people).  In Ward 8, the numbers are perhaps triple that amount. Over 40% of DC public school student either drop out all together or fail to graduate on time, falling years behind as regards to employment opportunities.

“At the essence to developing alternative methods to reducing crime and violence - to get to the root of the problem   is developing viable opportunities for individuals to be able to realize their share of the American dream - sustainable and viable employment.  We, the Alliance, believe we have developed such a solution.”

Kenneth (Kenny) Barnes, Sr., MS Founder/CEO, ROOT, Inc.

Included in the alliance:

•   ROOT (Reaching Out To Others Together), Inc.
•   EmeraldPlanet
•   Central Union Mission
•   Gospel Rescue Ministries
•   Augur Professional Services
•   Capitol City Champs, Inc.
•   CSOSA
•   NOMA BID

…as well as other leading organizations.

"Our solution is unique not only because it includes computer training and GED classes as well as energy audit professional certification but also because of the strong network and capabilities of the alliance partners.  We also have a pipeline of jobs that are waiting to be filled by certified energy auditors.

Michael J. Cortese, President/CEO, Gospel Rescue Ministries

The Alliance for Sustainability Job Growth announces that 54 out of a pool of 82 unemployed residents of Washington, DC, successfully passed the Test of Adult Basic Education (TABE), pre-qualified for a 6 week long energy analyst certification course The course, titled GSA Building Futures:  Pre-Apprenticeship Training and Placement Program, is being facilitated by the AFL-CIO. Upon
drug screening testing, those that are accepted will begin the training on February 8.

This is the first cohort of students to be trained with more to follow.  The students will be instructed on how to audit existing structures and / or new building sites for energy efficiency and how to use a variety of related energy audit tools - like blowers - which help the auditors detect areas of the structure that are not well insulated.

To qualify for the program the students must meet the following criterion in order to participate:

•   At least 18 years old
•   GED or have graduated from High School
•   Drug free
•   A valid driver’s license

“What we do here is about getting people into permanent jobs. We are going to have a big boom in green jobs in the future. The pre-test we did today identified those who have the basic skills to learn how to work in this field in the near future.”  

Antonio Otero, Director - Jobs Program at the Gospel Rescue Ministries

"This represents a powerful tool in our campaign to reduce gun violence and violence. A number of those tested included unemployed resident of Ward 8.

David Crocker, Community Outreach Coordinator, ROOT, Inc

“It was so great seeing men and women showing up so excited who are aware of their future. They can start a lifelong career.  I'm very excited what the green construction field is getting ready to do for the community. It helps not only the individual families who need it the most but also will help protect the environment.”

Ronald T. Sheffer, Manager of Educational Services, Gospel Rescue Ministries

Primary contact for Alliance
Dr. Samuel Hancock, Emerald Planet - 804-350-5473 or emeraldplanet1@gmail.com
Kenny Barnes, Sr., MS, ROOT, Inc - 202 332-7668 or rootinc@rootinc.org  
or Richard Lewis, Augur Professional Services, 703-209-5900 or
Richard.lewis@augurps.com

Media Contact:
Priscilla Clarke, Clarke Entertainment - 202 723-2200 or pclarkepr@aol.com
Tony Regusters, Media 12 Enertainment - 202 365-1115 or tony_regusters@msn.com

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