CSC Uses Stimulus Funds For Accelerated Training Course for Dislocated Workers

Community Services Consortium (CSC) is using stimulus money for an accelerated course in fabrication/welding designed by CSC staff to train dislocated workers in 20 weeks instead of the year and half normal course time. The goal is to get the 12 adult dislocated workers enrolled back in the workforce as soon as possible to resume their normal lives.

CSC’s Workforce and Education program designed the 20-week course by consulting the local community employers “We did a lot of research before we designed this class,” said Sue Mcguire-Thompson, Operations Manager for the CSC Workforce and Education Program. “By consulting local employers, we found the field that needed workers and we found what qualifications the workers needed to get jobs."

The dislocated workers, now half-way through the course, are learning to read blue prints, design work to specifications as well as other fabrication skills in addition to welding. “It is my dream come true,” said one participant. “This is just the training I need. And after being laid off from work, I realize an often heard saying is true – ‘When one door closes, another door opens’.”

Lake Cheadle, a Lasting Legacy for the Community

Getting kids outdoors and involved in creating an exciting and safe place of exploration was a major goal of the Lake Cheadle Youth Legacy Grant proposal submitted by the City of Lebanon. The Lake Cheadle project was awarded in the fall of 2008 and one of just 5 Youth Legacy Grants awarded in Oregon to celebrate Oregon’s 150th birthday.

Community youths are clearly promenate stakeholders in the ongoing lake projects. CSC youths have been involved in the Cheadle Lake Project since the call for help was first given in 2008. Jennifer Costelow, Santiam Wilderness Academy crew leader and Katie Stubblefield, YouthBuild AmeriCorps crew leader took their crews of youth to join other community youth and volunteers in creating public access and parking to the lake, clearing invasive blackberries, building gravel and water trails, building boat and fishing docks, and evaluating fish and wildlife habitats.

Barbara Roberts, former Oregon governor joined several Lebanon city administrators July 8th in a ceremony to unveil a polished granite monument in the shape of Oregon honoring the volunteers and partners who worked on making the Lake Cheadle a reality in just 10 months. Community Services Consortium is prominently carved in the list of partners honored.

“Thanks to all the kids who were part of this project and will be part of it in the future , your community is going to use it for generations," said Roberts. “It will still be here long after Oregon’s next big birthday.”

Lebanon’s Youth Legacy Project includes a grant award of $37,175 for a total project cost of $94,905. The project includes in-kind match valued at $57,730.