FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
www.SimpleSolar.com
www.MiCasaResourceCenter.org
Contact:
Aleana Sutton, Marketing Director
Simple Solar
303-541-1504
aleana@SimpleSolar.com
Kate Brenton, Communications/Grants Manager
Mi Casa Resource Center
303-539-5603 kbrenton@MiCasaResourceCenter.org
Simple Solar and Mi Casa Partner to Create Green Jobs for Low-Income Workers
December 11, 2009 (BOULDER) – Simple Solar is partnering with Mi Casa Resource Center to create green jobs for low-income, low-skilled workers to help the company complete projects in Colorado totaling more than one megawatt (one million watts).
Simple Solar is committed to growing their business while developing the career potential of disadvantaged members of our community, many of whom receive Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) or welfare benefits. The company has hired graduates from Mi Casa Resource Center’s Green Energy & Construction training program to keep up with production demands. “Simple Solar is dedicated to providing green job opportunities to people of all backgrounds and is proud of the work effort displayed by these individuals,” says Joe Callahan, Founder and CTO of Simple Solar.
Mi Casa’s Green Energy & Construction is a 10-week job-training program offered to TANF-eligible families and other low-income individuals. The training includes life skills, financial and computer literacy, weatherization, solar installation and mechanical design basics, introduction to NABCEP certification, OSHA training, and more. “Mi Casa’s Career Development programs focus on high-growth industries and jobs with strong earning and advancement potential. The renewable energy and energy efficiency industries are growing fast in Colorado and Mi Casa is helping displaced and low-skilled workers re-train in order to take advantage of these new opportunities,” says Christine Marquez-Hudson, Executive Director of Mi Casa.
The individuals who complete Mi Casa’s Green Energy & Construction training program are, for the most part, low-income parents who face significant barriers to employment including criminal history, lack of child care and/or transportation, unstable housing situations, poor job experience, and low educational levels.
During the first two months of employment with Simple Solar, Mi Casa graduates learn marketable skills and receive full wage subsidies provided by the Denver Office of Economic Development. The subsidies then decrease to 50% for four months and workers are considered to be participating in on-the-job training (OJT). At the end of the four months, Simple Solar takes over full responsibility for the workers’ wages and anticipates the creation of full-time employment.
Henry A. graduated from Mi Casa’s Green Energy & Construction training program in September and is now employed by Simple Solar. With several drug-related felonies on his record and having spent time in prison, Henry faced significant obstacles to becoming employed. But inspired by his wife and two children – ages 2 and 9 – Henry was motivated to turn his life around. “I want to provide my children with options and opportunities. I want them to have so many positive opportunities that they never even see the options I had growing up.”
Henry had previous construction experience including basic roofing, gutter work, and light demolition – but solar energy was a completely new industry for him. Upon completing the training program, Mi Casa’s Job Developer connected Henry with Simple Solar. Henry interviewed with the company and started work within a week.
“I honestly love my job,” says Henry. “I’m learning something new every day and what I am learning is going to help people make the switch to clean energy. Doing something that means something feels really good to me.”
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About Simple Solar
For more than a decade, Simple Solar has developed lasting relationships with clients by operating under the values of integrity and excellence. With extensive roots in green construction and energy, Simple Solar has evolved from being a local leader in solar design and installation to becoming a vertically-integrated solar development company that delivers a complete solution to clients. Simple Solar specializes in streamlining the process of designing, engineering, installing, and commissioning solutions. With revenue growth of 1900 percent between 2005 and 2008, Simple Solar is poised to remain at the forefront of the emerging renewable energy industry. www.SimpleSolar.com
About Mi Casa Resource Center
The mission of Mi Casa Resource Center is to advance the economic success of Latino families. Mi Casa was founded in 1976 by eight Head Start mothers in Denver who understood that education and employment were vital for people to achieve both personal and economic success. For more than 30 years, Mi Casa has been committed to helping low-income families trade poverty for lasting economic stability through business, career, and youth and family development strategies. www.MiCasaResourceCenter.org.
