JOB CREATION: BUILDING A BETTER FUTURE

Some days are just more fortuitous than others. Monday was one such day since not only were both books I had reserved available at the La Crosse's Main Public Library BUT

as I entered the library's foyer, I noticed a flyer for the library's Monday programs for those 50+ ... And not only did I fit the age criteria but I also happened to arrive just in time to catch most of of the morning's program and learn about WisCorps.  

Matt Brantner, WisCorps's director was delivering a powerpoint on the goals and programs of WisCorps now housed in the former Myrick Park Zoo/EcoPark building.  

WisCorps is a non-profit organization for job training for youth and young adults ( ages 16-25) which creates hundreds of jobs in 7 Wisconsin counties and in the upper Midwest. Brantner explained that while WisCorps trains at risk youth, those crews also consist of students of differing abilities, college bound, college interns...   

WisCorps' vision is to create strong partnerships with other organizations and receive sustainable funding sources in order to be able to offer programs in Agriculture, Environmental Education and Inclusive Crews. 

Not only are crews trained to act as Disaster Response teams but their conservation project sites can and have included habitat restoration, the planting of trees, rehabbing/ building trails, managing invasive species, constructing walkways/stairs/ bridges/ retaining walls and stone work/ bank stabilizing, landscaping, prairie restoration in addition to historical restoration...

WisCorps Display of some of their projects

If a non profit, municipality, agency/ tribe is in need of short term labor, WisCorps is budget flexible. Workers are trained and paid an hourly wage. Each 4-5 person crew has 1-2 adult mentors and supervisors who aid the crew in attaining its goals of "gaining leadership skills, practicing team work, learning to resolve differences and expanding their knowledge of environmental issues."

Besides manpower, WisCorps also provides small tools and power equipment. The employing organization needs to cover a portion of the total crew cost, supplying technical support as needed and also specialized equipment and building supplies.

For residents who are low income, handicapped/elderly, WisCorps can help with numerous home chores. This important work helps WisCorps member(s) take pride in their efforts, feel a part of their communities and become better citizens. 

KUDOS goes out to WisCorps for doing a great job and also being awarded a  $15,000 grant for 'partnering' with other organizations, creating good will while also giving jobs and training to our next generation. It's always nice to hear good things about a 'government' organization with so much bad mouthing about BIG government...