Casa Verde Builders

1. American YouthWorks Austin, Texas Casa Verde Builders ¡Si Se Puede!

2. Strengthening Families Through a Comprehensive Powerhouse Education Housing Advocacy Health Employment Strengthening Family Award

3. 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 Strengthening Family Award

4. American YouthWorksCasa 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 Strengthening Family Award

5. Awards for American YouthWorks and Casa Verde Builders American 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. Strengthening Family Award

6. Housing Casa 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 Strengthening Family Award

7. Housing In 2005, Casa Verde Builders was awarded the Gold Medal for Hot Climates from the National Association of Home Builders Strengthening Family Award

8. Employmentfrom 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. Strengthening Family Award

9. 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 Strengthening Family Award

10. Health • AmeriCorps 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 Strengthening Family Award

11. Advocacy through Counseling Through 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. Strengthening Family Award

12. 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. Strengthening Family Award

13. Advocacy 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. Strengthening Family Award

14. Advocacy Career CounselingFinding a Path to Passion • Job readiness training • Job-seeking assistance • Career preparation • Resume creation • Internships • Job placement assistance Strengthening Family Award

15. 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 homes • Better trained workforce to earn a livable wage • Reduce drop-out rates • Reduce recidivism • Volunteering Strengthening Family Award

16. Casa Verde BuildersNeighborhood 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 Strengthening Family Award

17. 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 Strengthening Family Award

18. American YouthWorks Casa Verde Builders Program • Contact • Richard Halpin, Founder/CEO • rhalpin@americanyouthworks.org • Denise Meikel, Deputy CEO • dmeikel@americanyouthworks.org • (512) 236-6100 • www.americanyouthworks.org Strengthening Family Award