Headwaters Charitable Trust Monday announced the conclusion of the Summer Works Living Greener Life Skills Class. Participants worked around Elk County doing a variety of work sponsored by the North Central Workforce Investment Board and CareerLink of St. Marys.

Cody Leslie and Brandon Wildnauer have completed the pilot program of 24 hours of life skills training.  (Photo: Pri Pursley Living Greener, Brandon Wildnauer participant, Cody Leslie participant, Ryan Calaway Living Greener.)

They learned people skills such as interpersonal communications, conflict resolution, and anger management. They also gained valuable professional skills such as time management, personal finance, personal responsibility, and networking.

They discussed what makes a green employer and how you as an individual can contribute to the sustainability of your organization. The skills learned in this program helped them to grow personally and professionally.

Cody Leslie says, "I liked when we talked about networking, it made me appreciate all the different trainers that came and taught the class.”

Our thanks go out to the wonderful guest trainers that participated in the program. Anita Todd of the University of Cincinnati, Mike Hoy at Straub Brewery, John MacDonald from Northwest Savings Bank, and Ashley O’Dell from the St. Marys Chamber of Commerce.

These professionals donated their time to teach, participate in roundtable discussions, and help complete the Living Greener curriculum.

The Living Greener team learned many lessons about teaching young adults the skills needed to be professionals. The feedback received from both participants and trainers will help modify and improve the class for future cohorts.

Next Class 

The Trust is turning its attention to the fall Living Greener cohort that will begin the week of October 10.

The Trust is expanding services to a full year of wraparound services at a new green job. We will continue to bring in professionals to help with the life skills classes and add one-on-one mentorship to the program.

It is currently seeking referrals for young adults that need help transitioning into the professional world, as well as volunteer Life Skills Trainers and Occupational Skills Mentors. The Trust is proud to work with companies who hold the values of sustainability and environmental stewardship.

If you are interested in learning more about Living Greener, or volunteering as a trainer or mentor, visit the Headwaters Charitable Trust Living Greener webpage or contact Bri Pursley by calling  814-335-1141 or send email to: bripursley@hwct.org.   Click Here to sign up for regular updates from the Trust (bottom of the page). 

9/5/2016