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

Strengthening Family Award2 Strengthening Families Through a Comprehensive Powerhouse Education Housing EmploymentHealth Advocacy

Strengthening Family Award3 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 Award4 American YouthWorks Casa 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 Award5 Awards for American YouthWorks and Casa Verde Builders American Youth Policy Forum’s List of Programs in 12 Communities Reconnecting Out-of-School Youth, One of Texas’ 10 Best Reinvented High Schools, Texas Education Agency & International Center for Leadership in Education, Nation Leader School for the YouthBuild USA Initiative President's Service Award, Points of Light Foundation, 1999.

Strengthening Family Award6 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 Award7 In 2005, Casa Verde Builders was awarded the Gold Medal for Hot Climates from the National Association of Home Builders Housing

Strengthening Family Award8 Employment from 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 Award9 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 Award10 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 Award11 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 Award12 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 Award13 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. Advocacy

Strengthening Family Award14 Career Counseling Finding a Path to Passion Job readiness training Job-seeking assistance Career preparation Resume creation Internships Job placement assistance Advocacy

Strengthening Family Award15 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 Award16 Casa Verde Builders Neighborhood 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 Award17 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 Award18 American YouthWorks Casa Verde Builders Program Contact –Richard Halpin, Founder/CEO –Denise Meikel, Deputy CEO (512)