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July 2008

A Note from Sally

Hello Everyone! As always, The Corps Network is buzzing with activity. Corps are in the middle of their summer season. I am always amazed at the flexibility and ability of Corps to address countless problems or community needs. The Conservation Corps of Greater New Orleans is up and running with nearly 175 Corpsmembers learning new skills and serving their communities from building community gardens to earning asbestos and hazmat certificates. The California Conservation Corps is responding to wildfires throughout the state. And the Western Colorado Conservation Corps is building trail signs to ensure users protect their natural resources. As always, I invite you to learn more about the Corps, especially the Corps serving your community. Visit our website, visit a Corps, take action today.

Sally Prouty on the Green Economy Published in New York Times.

A response to an Op-Ed by Sally Prouty, President and CEO of The Corps Network, was posted online by the New York Times. Sally wrote in response to Bob Herbert's Op-Ed about unemployment and rising gas prices. Sally emphasized the potential of Corps to address rising energy costs while training young people for jobs in the green economy, "restoring our environment, revitalizing our low-income communities and creating reliable, confident, skilled citizens ready for career and family."

Civic Justice Corps Exceeds Expectations After 18 Months.

The Civic Justice Corps, the groundbreaking model that uses service is a strategy for re-engaging court-involved, formerly incarcerated, and disconnected young people, has been in operation for 18 months at the 14 sites throughout the country. Amazing results, exceeding expectations, have been reported. Highlights of the results include:
- 126.2% enrolled (442 enrolled exceeding the goal of 350 at the 18 month mark, 339 formerly/currently incarcerated)
- 41.4 % received GED/ high school diploma
- 72.9 placement (exceeding the goal of 60%)
- 81.7% retention in job/college placements (exceeding the goal of 75%)
- 8.8 % recidivism (exceeding the goal of 20% below the prevailing rate of 50-70%)
California Conservation Corps Responds to Wildfires.

It is all hands on deck for the California Conservation Corps (CCC). With more than one thousand fires burning throughout the state, every CCC crew is supporting the efforts in some way. The Shasta 21 crew is directly fighting fires with CAL FIRE, while other crews are providing critical support services. In total, 800 Corpsmembers. This is the largest number of fire crews dispatched by the CCC in its 32-year history. Corpsmembers working at the fire camps have met and been thanked by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger on three different fires in the past few weeks.