Young Adult Conservation Corps Jobs Program Set to Launch

Conservation Corps of the Forgotten Coast Partners

The Conservation Corps of the Forgotten Coast is set to kick off Monday, July 27, 2015, with the first project to establish a nature trail on property west of town purchased by the City of Apalachicola with Florida Communities Trust grant funds.

The eight week pilot project was the vision of City Administrator Betty Webb and received full support of the Apalachicola Board of City Commissioners. Mayor Van Johnson serves as Chair of the Advisory Committee, which includes over 20 supporting organizations and agencies who are committed to the Corps success. The initial project includes almost two miles of walking trails will be laid out and made ready for enjoyment by the local community.

The Conservation Corps of the Forgotten Coast is an initiative of Franklin’s Promise Coalition. Just over a year ago, the Corps Network visited Apalachicola and shortly thereafter selected the Coalition to be part of the Gulf Coast Restoration Initiative.

Having provided critical leadership to the Corps movement for almost 30 years, The Corps Network is assisting with the  establishment of the Conservation Corps of the Forgotten Coast and is supporting a legacy of Corps programs throughout the Gulf Coast. TCN’s success in establishing and developing partnerships, providing technical assistance and training, disseminating Corps’ best practices, and administering pilot and national programs (including an Educational Award Program) are essential to creating quality and sustainable Restoration Corps.

Service and Conservation Corps are comprehensive youth development programs that engage diverse, and often disadvantaged, young people (16 –25) in service projects designed to address important environmental and community needs. Corps members receive a living allowance, scholarship money and access to counseling and career-planning assistance. Through participating in service projects, Corps members gain hands-on job experience and earn credentials.

The initial pilot project will engage four crew members and two crew leaders. Supportive services and training will include job skill building, leadership development and financial education.

Supporting Partners in the initial project are the Corps Network, the City of Apalachicola, Community Training Works, CareerSource Gulf Coast, The Nature Conservancy, Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve, and Franklin County Schools.

For more information, or to support the Corps development, contact Joe Taylor, Executive Director Franklin’s Promise Coalition at (850)323-0176.