Empowering Youth and Preserving Skills: Work Preserve's Summer Success and Exciting Fall Plans

As the leaves begin to turn and a crisp autumn breeze fills the air, we at Work Preserve are excited to share our recent accomplishments and upcoming initiatives. Our commitment to empowering young people through hands-on work experience and skill development continues to thrive, thanks to our dedicated partnerships and enthusiastic participants.

Summer Highlights: YES Partnership

This summer, we were thrilled to once again partner with Youth Employment Services (YES) for our annual collaboration. Four young individuals joined our team, immersing themselves in a variety of projects that challenged their creativity and honed their skills.

One of the standout achievements from this partnership was the creation of unique, handcrafted table lamps. Our young apprentices showcased their ingenuity by using salvaged materials to construct these one-of-a-kind pieces. We're proud to announce that these lamps are now available for purchase at Significant Elements, offering our community the chance to own a piece of sustainable, youth-crafted practical art. 

In addition to the lamp project, our YES participants also tackled the refurbishment of a circa 1930’s oak swivel chair, breathing new life into a classic piece of furniture. This project not only taught valuable restoration skills but also emphasized the importance of sustainability and up-cycling in our work.

Fall Preview: GJSK and TST BOCES Programs

As we transition into fall, our Green Job Starter Kit (GJSK) program is in full swing, welcoming three new participants. This initiative continues to provide valuable green job skills and experience to individuals looking to enter the sustainable workforce.

We're also eagerly anticipating the arrival of new students from TST BOCES later this month. These partnerships with local schools are crucial in bridging the gap between classroom learning and real-world application, providing students with invaluable hands-on experience in various trades and skills.

Looking Ahead

The coming season promises to be filled with exciting projects and learning opportunities. Our team is enthusiastic about the diverse range of skills we'll be exploring and the positive impact we'll continue to make in our community.

Stay tuned for updates on our fall projects, and don't forget to visit Significant Elements to check out the unique table lamps created by our YES program participants!

At Work Preserve, we're not just teaching skills – we're building futures, one project at a time.