green|spaces’ community-resiliency program, Build It Green (BIG), will continue to grow thanks to a grant from Truist Financial Corporation.
The BIG program, which just celebrated the launch of its first-class as an official Opportunity Youth Service Initiative site and The Corps Network partner, began several years ago in partnership with Build Me A World.
As a sustainable building workforce development program, participants receive a biweekly living allowance plus a continuing education stipend when they finish the program.
They also complete community service projects throughout BIG, including extensive work with Reflection Riding Arboretum and Nature Center, as well as small scale construction projects, like building a new greenhouse for Chattanooga’s Metropolitan Ministries.
“In addition to educational training and job placement assistance, BIG is also about inspiring a passion for craftsmanship, creating mentorship opportunities and facilitating community connections,” said Program Director Christian Shackelford. “It’s about providing multiple avenues and painting a picture of the possibilities,” he said. Even among current members, post-program plans vary wildly.
Unique Simmons plans to continue her education and love of solving equations with a degree in chemistry once she finishes the BIG program. Her team member Marlon Lykes, on the other hand, wants to find steady construction work because he prefers projects with his hands that keep him busy.
And Dexter Talley, who graduated from last year’s BIG class and now serves as a team leader, plans to take his building knowledge to fix up properties in his community, such as the hair salon he owned prior to the COVID-19 quarantine.
“A lot of the kids I found and brought to the program,” Mr. Talley said, adding that he also acts as a driver for those who don’t have access to regular transportation. “There’s a personal connection with them. I try to be what they need.”
“At Truist, we’re committed to increasing economic resilience and building community strength,” said Jim Vaughn, Chattanooga market president at Truist. “We’re proud to support green|spaces’ BIG program, as it’s preparing young adults for long-term success and advancing sustainable communities.”