Seasons Greetings to all our YC Friends & Family!
As I write to you today I feel humbled - so fortunate. Our staff was talking and reflecting- we’re having a hard time processing that another year has passed. I guess that is what happens when you’re so busy. Normally things at this time of year are winding down, but we seem to be ramping up.
Since we last checked in with you in November, we’ve completed our Urban Gateway Project, starting clearing encroachment on Warren Parks trails, decorated Shippen Manor and Shappell Park for the holiday season, and got some great news to finish off the year - the perfect elixir to carry our momentum into the new year!
Special Recognition:
In December we learned that a project we have been working on was recognized by Gov. Phil Murphy via the 22nd Annual Governor’s Environmental Excellence Awards. Working with NJ Audubon, the ecological work we performed at Hudson Farms won this recognition in the Healthy Ecosystems and Habitats category. We feel so humbled to be part of the project’s success and recognition. See the video here or click the image to the above/right.
Service Project Highlight:
Corpsmembers also were working hard on an invasive species removal project at White Lake this past week - clearing about 1/2 an acre of treated phragmities (frag-mite-ees) - a non-native species of reed grass that is crowding the access area to the lake. Corpsmembers brushcut the previosly treated area and removed the grasses to dispose of them. We had perfect weather to do this work as it was warm and in the upper 40’s and low 50’s. See the video of their work here or click the link above.
Educational Highlight:
On the educational front - our latest cohort has been working hard on their academics - looking forward to their test dates in January. But for now - We have some great news to report that a Corpsmember from our last cohort was finally rewarded for her determination and dedication and passed the HSE Hi-Set exam earlier this month - Please join us in congratulating Gina Gonzalez-Ruta on obtaining her High School Diploma! We believed in you until you believed in yourself! CONGRATULATIONS GINA!
Seasonal Highlight:
As a special holiday project, we’ve recently delved into painting as a means to express ourselves. Corpsmembers produced some decor that adorns our walls and enhances the spirit of the holidays. Check out their work in the photo to the left!
Finishing the Year on a High Note!
Since our inception, we’ve been aspiring to provide programming that mirrors our roots in the Civilian Conservation Corps - with environmental work on public lands as a focus within our region. Over that time, we have developed into a versatile program that has become an indispensable force here in Warren County - developing fee-for-service agreements with many program partners. Through this model, we’ve been able to increase our capacity for more work and provide unique experiences for our Corpsmembers as they pursue their education. It’s been a win-win, for sure. One of thirteen programs in NJ, we are also members of an organization called The Corps Network (TCN)- a national association of service and conservation corps all across America -TCN provides advocacy, resources and a wealth of Corps operational knowledge. Being a member provides access to additional funding & grant opportunities, service opportunities, sharing of best practices and the ability to engage in the cooperative agreements that allow programs to do work with some federal partners and private foundations - and much more.
We are excited to share the news that The Corps Network is in receipt of a $1.65 million grant from the William Penn Foundation to launch the Delaware River Climate Corps (DRCC): an initiative to enhance climate resiliency and strengthen green career pathways through expanding Corps programming within the Delaware River watershed across Delaware, New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania. Over the course of 2022, these funds will help engage young adults in conservation workforce development and critical conservation projects. The DRCC will invest in building upon established Corps programs – including New Jersey Youth Corps of Phillipsburg (NJYCP) and PowerCorpsPHL (PCPHL) – and establishing new Corps programs in eight additional communities. DRCC crews will launch within the 2022 calendar year. Read the press release here or click the image to the right above.
It’s an exciting time! We have been building to this opportunity for years and it’s now on our doorstep. While the details of the DRCC for NJYCP are still in development (we will share more in our next blog post) - suffice it to say, we are honored and humbled to be included in this regional initiative.
in closing:
We will reflect and reminisce about this past year - and be thankful to all of you out there who support us and believe in our work. It is simultaneously humbling and energizing that we have your support. On behalf of all of the Staff & Corpsmembers at NJYCP - we wish you all a happy, healthy holiday season!
Until next year (yep, I said it) -
Michael
