OCTOBER, 2023: Sixteen Impact100 Garden State members headed to Paterson to see how Servant’s Heart Ministry (SHM)—one of our 2023 $100,000 grantees—is using its grant money.
The Impact100 grant to SHM supports their “Workmanship Trades Training & Mentoring Program,” which offers free, hands-on construction trade skills training for young adults. This series of (mostly) 15-week programs is staffed largely by skilled volunteers, including architects, engineers, masons, tilers, excavators, electricians, HVAC tradesmen, plumbers, welders, roofers, and framers. In addition, most of the materials used in the training (including steel, windows, siding, shingles, lumber, duct work, thermostats, and tiles) are donated. SHM needed the Impact100 grant to build on that foundation (pun intended).
It didn’t take long for SHM to put the first $40,000 tranche of their Impact grant money to good use. By the time members visited their facility, SHM had purchased and installed an automotive lift that will be used in a new car and truck repair program, scheduled to start in September 2024. They also had hired an additional instructor for their tile installation program and mounted new safety harnesses on the ceiling of the training facility so students can learn the basics of roofing.
How SHM’s Training Program Works
SHM receives approximately 250 applications per semester. They accept 52 students (aged 17 or older) at a time, maintaining a 1-to-3 teacher-student ratio. Classes are held in the evening to accommodate students who are working or still in school. SHM “graduates” approximately 125 students each year—roughly 20% of whom are women and 75% of whom are people of color.
Students start with a program called CRP (critical path method), which introduces all aspects of the building industry at a high level. The objective of CRP is to give students enough information to determine what career path they may want to pursue so they can move into more specialized classes in general construction, masonry, plumbing, electrical, HVAC, welding, and fine woodworking.
Students do not graduate from SHM’s classes with licenses or certifications, but they do acquire the experience and skills they need to get jobs with licensed professionals so they can continue learning and launch their careers. Because SHM management and the professionals who volunteer to teach classes have deep networks in the construction industry, they often are able to connect students with prospective employers.
The lessons students learn at SHM are not limited to construction work. Character and fellowship receive significant attention as well. For example, every class is broken into two parts: first there is a lecture, and then there is an hour of hands-on practice. In between, everyone—instructors, students, and volunteers—sits down for a communal dinner. These meals give students a chance to meet each other and to develop relationships with professionals in the construction industry. Volunteers also provide mentoring that extends to students’ lives outside of the program. John Oostdyk, SHM’s Executive Director, says these interactions teach students life lessons and values like honesty, integrity, timeliness, respect, and trust.
SHM estimates that a semester of its program costs $3,500 per student, but thanks to the generosity of volunteers and donors, it is offered without charge. Instead, students are asked to “pay it forward” by volunteering with the training program once they are employed and helping with SHM’s extensive community service projects. Those projects give students the opportunity to practice and develop their skills while having a tangible impact on individuals and local organizations that serve their communities. In 2022, SHM-affiliated volunteers contributed a combined 20,000 hours rebuilding or updating 60 properties without charge.
How Impact Members Can Help
SHM can always use more professional instructors, building supply donations, and volunteers. To learn more, visit www.servantsheartnj.org.
