Rebecca was nearing the end of her year long recovery program at Shepherd’s Door. Brittany was dedicating a year of service to Portland Rescue Mission after completing their life-change program with a family of five children to support. Both women were formulating plans about what jobs they would get after setting their lives on a new course.
After being asked by Mission program staff if they wanted to try solar on and work side-by-side with Twende to install nearly 300 panels on the roof of their facility, they said, “Twende!” Spending time on the roof with volunteers from the solar industry and learning about the demand for folks to enter the growing field of solar warriors making a living wage while making an impact inspired both women to pursue careers in the solar field as electricians.
After consulting with industry experts and program staff, Rebecca completed a pre-apprenticeship program with Constructing Hope and spoke at their August graduation. Brittany waited for her children to go back to school and then so did she! She will finish her studies this November and Rebecca will be starting her apprenticeship with the union in Eugene.
Our work with the Portland Rescue Mission is helping them save $12,000 annually on their electricity costs, allowing them to rededicate that money towards programming for their recovery services. The future just got a bit brighter for those benefiting from Portland Rescue Mission’s services for the homeless and hurting, these empowered ladies, and the clean energy movement! Together, your support and donations of time, talent and resources helped make this trifecta possible.
Asanteni
(Swahili for, “Thank you all.”)