Cultivating Futures: Our Pre-Apprenticeship Program for Opportunity Youth

Empowered by our pre-apprenticeship program, Oscar Perez exemplifies resilience and determination. Now a vital part of our social enterprise, he's greening schools in our community, showcasing the transformative impact of investing in at-risk youth.

In an era where skilled trades are in high demand, it is crucial to bridge the gap between opportunity youth and promising careers in landscape, irrigation, and planting trades. Our pre-apprenticeship landscape program stands as a beacon of hope, offering a transformative journey for young individuals to cultivate not only the land but also their futures.

Empowering Opportunity Youth Our program is designed to cater specifically to opportunity youth - those who face barriers to employment and education. Through a comprehensive curriculum, participants undergo intensive training in soft skills, empowering them with the interpersonal abilities crucial for success in the professional world. We believe that investing in these foundational skills is key to unlocking their potential and setting them on a path to long-term success.

Nurturing Skills in Landscape, Irrigation, and Planting Once equipped with essential soft skills, participants delve into hands-on training in landscape, irrigation, and planting trades. Our state-of-the-art facilities provide a real-world environment where they learn the intricacies of sustainable landscaping, efficient irrigation systems, and the art of planting. From understanding soil composition to mastering the use of cutting-edge equipment, participants gain a comprehensive skill set that prepares them for a fulfilling career in the trades.

Union Apprenticeship Sponsorship Upon successful completion of the pre-apprenticeship program, participants are not just left with a certificate but are given a unique opportunity to join a prestigious union apprenticeship. We are proud to partner with leading unions in the industry, ensuring that our graduates receive sponsorship that propels them into the next phase of their careers. This sponsorship is more than a mere job offer – it's an investment in their professional growth, opening doors to a network of seasoned professionals and unparalleled learning experiences.

Our pre-apprenticeship landscape program goes beyond traditional training, offering a holistic approach that empowers opportunity youth to thrive in the landscape, irrigation, and planting trades. By focusing on soft skills, practical training, and union apprenticeship sponsorship, we pave the way for a brighter future, not just for the individuals involved but for the entire community. As we cultivate landscapes, we also cultivate futures, sowing the seeds for a generation of skilled and empowered professionals ready to make a lasting impact.

Early Education Center Complete

Exciting News! Our social enterprise just completed the Kentwood Early Education project! 🏫🌳 We've created a vibrant space with ADA engineered wood fiber, decomposed granite, logs, and thoughtful landscaping for kids to explore and enjoy. From irrigation systems to interactive features, every detail is designed to foster a nurturing environment for young minds. Let the adventure begin! #KentwoodEducation #ChildhoodWonder #CommunityImpact

City of South Gate Recognition

I am delighted to share with you the exciting news that our organization SLA has been honored with a prestigious certification by the City of South Gate Mayor and City Council.

This recognition stands as a testament to our unwavering commitment to environmental sustainability and community development. The City of South Gate has acknowledged our dedication to green initiatives and our active role in fostering positive change within the community.

The certification underscores our pivotal role in contributing to the city's environmental goals and our dedication to creating a sustainable future. As a socially responsible enterprise, we are deeply invested in the mission to enhance the environmental quality of South Gate and to empower the local youth through training initiatives.

Key Points of Recognition:

1. Environmental Stewardship: Our commitment to environmental sustainability is reflected in our greening school projects and tree planting events.

2. Community Impact: The certification acknowledges our significant contributions to the betterment of South Gate through our tree planting events.

3. Youth Training Programs: Our dedication to youth empowerment is highlighted by our per-apprenticeship program.

This certification is not merely a recognition; it symbolizes our alignment with the City of South Gate's vision for a greener and more vibrant community. It strengthens our credibility as a socially responsible enterprise and opens up new avenues for collaboration and partnerships within the city.

Moving forward, we are committed to leveraging this certification to further our impact and drive positive change. We will continue to spearhead initiatives that contribute to the city's environmental goals and empower the youth of South Gate.

We extend our gratitude to the City of South Gate Mayor and City Council for their support and recognition. This certification serves as a source of inspiration for us to continue our journey toward a more sustainable and inclusive future.

FFRP-SLA Collaboration

Exciting Day at Teach Tech High School!

Today, we had the incredible opportunity to collaborate with Chief Royal Ramey founder of the Forestry and Fire Recruitment Program right here in South Central Los Angeles.

Our mission? To inspire and educate the young minds of Teach Tech High School about the vital role they can play in safeguarding our environment and communities through careers in forestry and fire management.

It was heartwarming to see the passion and enthusiasm in the eyes of the youth.

Swipe through these moments of inspiration, as the students engaged, learned, and opened their minds to new possibilities. We are immensely proud to be part of this transformative experience.

Thank you to Chief Royal Ramey for sharing his story!

Introducing part of our new Pre-Apprenticeship Cohort!

We're thrilled to showcase the fresh faces of our latest group of future tradespeople. 👷‍♂️👷‍♀️ These talented individuals are embarking on an exciting journey towards becoming skilled professionals in their respective trades. 🏗️ As part of their preparation for the world of work, we recently had the privilege of taking some of our participants to the headquarters of Local 345, the union they'll be joining after successfully completing our program. 💼 It was an invaluable experience for them to get an inside look at the solidarity, support, and opportunities that come with union membership. Swipe left ⬅️ to see the curiosity, and enthusiasm on our participants' faces as they explored the union facilities and engaged in insightful discussions with union members and mentors. 💬 We believe that empowering our pre-apprentices with knowledge about the future they're working toward is crucial. Union membership is more than just a card; it's a commitment to a community that values skill, fairness, and progress. 🤝 Join us in applauding our participants for their dedication to their craft and their future. 🙌 Let's continue to support and encourage them as they embark on this remarkable journey!

Meet Jeffry

Meet Jeffry Xolapa, a shining example of perseverance, dedication, and the transformative power of education. Just a short while ago, Jeffry Xolapa embarked on a journey to acquire the skills and knowledge needed to secure a promising career in the trades. They enrolled in our Pre-Apprenticeship Program, a comprehensive and rigorous training initiative designed to mold ambitious individuals into competent and certified professionals. During their time with us, Jeffry exhibited an unwavering commitment to learning, constantly pushing boundaries and mastering the intricacies of their chosen trade. Their passion for their craft was evident in every project they undertook, setting a benchmark for excellence that inspired both peers and instructors alike. Today, we are thrilled to share the incredible news that Jeffry has transitioned from a dedicated student to a proud union worker at a reputable union company. This transition is a testament to their relentless pursuit of excellence and the invaluable skills they acquired during our program. In their new role, Jeffry has embraced the responsibilities and challenges of the trades with unwavering enthusiasm. They have seamlessly integrated into their union company, contributing their expertise to projects that shape our communities and improve lives. Jeffry is not just a success story; they are a symbol of the transformative potential within each of us. Their journey underscores the importance of education, resilience, and the boundless opportunities that await those who dare to dream. We take immense pride in witnessing Jeffry’s growth and achievement, and we look forward to seeing them continue to shine as they contribute to the union’s mission and uphold the highest standards of their profession. Join us in congratulating Jeffry on this incredible milestone, and may their story inspire others to embark on their own paths toward a brighter, more prosperous future.

Meet Jose Robles

Meet Jose, a shining example of success from our Pre-Apprenticeship Program!

Their journey has been nothing short of inspiring, and we’re thrilled to share their testimonial with you.

From day one, Jose embraced every challenge and opportunity our program offered. Their dedication and hard work have paid off in the most incredible ways.

🛠️ In this video, you’ll hear Jose share their experience, from the valuable skills they gained to the amazing mentors who guided them along the way.

🌐 Our Pre-Apprenticeship Program is not just about education; it’s about empowerment. It’s about preparing individuals like Jose for a bright future in their chosen field.

💪 Watch the video to witness their journey, and remember, it’s not just a success story; it’s an inspiration for anyone looking to kickstart their career.

👏 Join us in celebrating Jose and the countless others who have achieved greatness through our program.

Compton Elementary Community Planting Event

Cheers to a day well spent at the Compton Elementary Tree Planting Event! 🌳🌱 The school and community came together today for an amazing mission – making our environment greener and our bonds stronger.

Seeing kids, teachers, families, and neighbors digging in to plant trees was heartwarming. We didn't just plant trees, we nurtured a sense of togetherness and responsibility in our little ones. They learned that even small actions, like planting a tree, can make a big difference for our planet.

Today was all about benefits. Those trees we planted are like nature's air purifiers. They'll provide fresher air for us to breathe and a healthier habitat for wildlife. Plus, when it rains, they'll soak up water, preventing any flooding. It's like a gift from today to tomorrow.

But the best part? Our community spirit flourished. We worked as a team, and we created memories that'll last a lifetime. By planting these trees, we're leaving a legacy of care and unity for future generations to cherish.

Hats off to everyone who joined today. You've helped this school bloom, quite literally! Let's keep the spirit alive!🌳🌍🌱

Pre-Apprenticeship Program

Cheers to a Bright Future! Celebrating the Graduation of Our Youth Landscape and Irrigation Pre-Apprenticeship Program.

Today, we honor the hard work and growth of our amazing graduates. They've learned about designing landscapes and irrigation, turning their love for the outdoors into valuable skills.

A big thank you to the union for helping these young talents. Their support has made a real difference, providing resources and a sense of belonging.

As our graduates move on to the next step as apprentices, we're excited for what's ahead. With new knowledge and determination, they're all set to shine.
Congrats to our grads for planting the seeds of success. Together, we're making the world a greener and more beautiful place, one step at a time!

Building Skills, Crafting Futures: Empwering youth through our Pre-Apprenticeship Program

Under the guidance of experienced instructors and mentors, our program offers comprehensive training in landscape, irrigation and carpentry. Participants learn essential carpentry skills such as measuring, cutting, drilling, and assembling, as well as proper tool usage and safety precautions. Through practical projects like building community garden plots, these aspiring craftsmen and craftswomen gain confidence and develop a solid foundation in woodworking techniques.

Our program provides training in the art of landscaping, teaching participants about plant identification, horticulture principles, and irrigation. From soil preparation and planting to maintaining garden beds and creating irrigation systems, our participants acquire the skills necessary to transform green spaces into beautiful, sustainable environments.

However, our program goes beyond teaching technical skills. Recognizing the importance of personal development, the curriculum includes workshops on communication, conflict resolution, and problem-solving. Participants engage in team-building activities, fostering a spirit of cooperation and collaboration. Leadership development and goal-setting exercises are also incorporated, empowering youth to envision and pursue their dreams.

Community engagement is a core component of the program, as participants collaborate on projects with local organizations and residents. They contribute to neighborhood beautification initiatives, offering their landscaping and carpentry services to homeowners and businesses. By actively participating in the community, these young individuals cultivate a sense of pride, belonging, and social responsibility.

To ensure the success of our youth program, collaborations with local trade schools, businesses, and nonprofit organizations have been established. All graduates of our program are sponsored to union Local 345 where they become union apprentices. These connections also help pave the way for continued education or employment opportunities beyond the program, opening doors for a promising future for program participants.

The future is looking brighter for youth in our disadvantaged communities. With its focus on skill development, personal growth, and community engagement, the program is transforming the lives of its participants, one project at a time. Together, as a community, we can continue to support and empower these young individuals, ensuring they have the tools they need to build a better future and thrive.

REDF Visit

It was an honor and privilege to have REDF visit us. We were able to showcase a few of our projects and speak of current and future programming. We deeply value our relationship with REDF and are extremely thankful for their support.

Pictures here is the REDF team at one of our greening school projects.

County of Los Angeles Recognition

This Earth Day we were grateful to participate in CultivaLA Earth Day event where we were able to receive a recognition of Los Angeles County Supervisor Hilda Solis.

Welcoming our New Case Manager Tatiana

We are beginning our 2023 with lots of excitement in welcoming our new Case Manager Tatiana. Her background is in medicine and nursing. In her home country she practiced and received degrees in nursing and medicine.

As we move forward in 2023 in expanding our target population to asylum seeking youth as well, we are very excited at the role Tatiana will play within our organization. As case manager her focus will be on case management, counseling, coaching, and wellness training.

REDF BIPOC Affinity Group Gathering

Feeling inspired, motivated and in community after this years BIPOC Affinity Group Gathering by REDF. Thank you to @redfworks for providing this opportunity and enriching experience and to every leader of color who attended for your comradeship. The knowledge and mentorship provided by REDF staff and other leaders who attended inspires us to continue this work and feel in community like never before. We look forward to continuing to learn and work with our REDF BIPOC community.

2022 ASLA National Conference Session

We were honored to be invited to speak at the 2022 ASLA National Conference in San Francisco this year. Our session Land and Labor, was a a success and had a great turnout. In our session we spoke about land and labor issues and the work our organization is doing.

REDF Retreat in Portland

Thank you REDF for this wonderful opportunity. Coming back from this retreat we are feeling reinvigorated and fired up to do this work. Taking all the teachings we received this week and applying them to all that we do. We are deeply committed to improve and grow with the lessons received from all the inspiring organizations we were in community with.

Outdoor Spaces Conference Presentation

We were invited to speak in partnership with Terremoto Landscape to the Outdoor Spaces Conference. We held a one hour presentation and workshop and Land and Labor and how to build a more equitable relationship between landscape designers, clients and crews.

Jessie Salazar Appointed Committee Chair for American Society of Landscape Architects

B Impact Assessment

In 2017 we decided to transition into a B Corp and Social Enterprise. We re-imagined our mission, vision and values and in 2018 we became certified. Now in 2022 we are re-certifying with a score of 127.2. Through a rigorous process B Lab tests companies in 5 sections. The sections are governance, workers, community, environment and customers. A score of 80 is needed to become certified, most companies score in the 50’s. Overall B Lab checks for over 150 different metrics that need to be backed up with documentation and evidence. Below you will find in B Lab’s definition what it takes to become a B Corp:

B Corp Certification is a designation that a business is meeting high standards of verified performance, accountability, and transparency on factors from employee benefits and charitable giving to supply chain practices and input materials. In order to achieve certification, a company must: 

• Demonstrate high social and environmental performance by achieving a B Impact Assessment score of 80 or above and passing our risk review. Multinational corporations must also meet baseline requirement standards. 

• Make a legal commitment by changing their corporate governance structure to be accountable to all stakeholders, not just shareholders, and achieve benefit corporation status if available in their jurisdiction. 

• Exhibit transparency by allowing information about their performance measured against B Lab’s standards to be publicly available on their B Corp profile on B Lab’s website.  

Youth Program