Corps Connection Newsletter - April 2020

Sequoia Community Corps

CORPS CONNECTION THE SEQUOIA COMMUNITY CORPS RESPONDS TO COVID-19 (CORONAVIRUS) “Service means getting involved to make a difference in someone’s life. What’s rewarding is knowing we are out there helping people during these difficult times.”

- Corpsmember Angel Zuniga

The health and safety of our customers, volunteers, staff, and board members are the highest priority for Community Services Employment Training (CSET) and the Sequoia Community Corps (SCC). We are providing services to the community while maintaining a safe and healthy environment for our customers and staff.

In the wake of COVID-19, SCC corpsmembers have played a critical role in addressing the changing needs of our community.

Following the closure of CSET’s eight senior centers due to the health crisis, the SCC alongside CSET’s Senior Services team joined forces to deliver more than 6,000 meals to 750 seniors in Tulare County. Every week, corpsmembers have unloaded pallets, stored frozen meals, packaged food bags, and delivered meals. In conjunction, corpsmembers distributed handouts with recycling and conservation tips during senior meal deliveries.

Corpsmembers in CSET’s Weatherization services disinfect and clean CSET offices throughout the week to keep facilities clean and safe. Safety measures have been established to ensure corpsmembers have the proper safety attire when delivering senior meals and disinfecting facilities.

We deeply appreciate all corpsmembers, staff, and crew supervisors for their courageous service. For updates regarding CSET’s response to COVID-19, visit www.cset.org/covid-19 or call (559) 732-4194.

ABOUT THE SEQUOIA COMMUNITY CORPS The Sequoia Community Corps (SCC) offers vocational training in the trades of weatherization, urban forestry, conservation education, and recycling, including the recycling of CRV beverage containers, e-waste, used oil, and waste tires. SCC has successfully operated in Tulare and Kings Counties for the past 33 years, providing more than 4,000 young adults with valuable job training, educational opportunities, leadership, and environmental awareness through community conservation projects. The Corps Connection is published quarterly by the Sequoia Community Corps. You may stay connected with the Sequoia Community Corps at: (559) 732-4194

Volume 21 — April 2020

www.cset.org/sequoia-community-corps

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Sequoia Community Corps

CORPS CONNECTION MODOC DITCH PROJECT

Before

After

The Sequoia Community Corps has worked for many years with the Urban Tree Foundation doing landscaping and beautification projects with the City of Visalia, including the recent Modoc Ditch Project. Corpsmembers involved in the Modoc Ditch Project are making improvements from Mooney Boulevard to Demaree Street along the Modoc Ditch. They install irrigation along the block wall that separates homes from the Modoc Ditch. Additionally, corpsmembers brighten up the landscape by planting trees and spreading new mulch in these areas. The project is in progress and we are taking the necessary precautions to keep staff and corpsmembers safe during COVID-19.

EXPLORING CAREERS AT THE ANNUAL REGIONAL EDUCATION YOUTH SUMMIT Corpsmembers Piper Kessinger, Jacob Santillan, and Cala Altermatt were among the SCC attendees at this year’s Regional Education Youth Summit held on March 10th at the Energy Education Center in Tulare. During the event, corpsmembers attended breakout sessions and interacted with various exhibitors to explore careers and training programs in the STEAM field. They were inspired by Keynote Speaker Eric Johnson, as he shared his journey overcoming various hardships, navigating the foster care system, and becoming the Executive Director for CASA of Tulare County.

From Left to Right: Corpsmembers Cala Altermatt, Jacob Santillan, and Piper Kessinger

Piper Kessinger is an EMT student at the College of the Sequoias. The opportunity to speak with local EMTs and Army recruiters at the event was a meaningful experience for Piper, as she viewed an ambulance vehicle and learned about the requirements to joining the Army. Cala Altermatt enjoyed the Art and Technology workshop, as she is very creative and interested in music production. Before the event, Jacob Santillan was undecided about his career choice. After speaking with the representatives of the Tulare County Probation Department, he became interested in the criminal justice field. The SCC is grateful to have been part of such an amazing event.

SCC CORPSMEMBERS SHARE RECYCLING TIPS AT WORLD AG EXPO 2020 In February, corpsmembers attended the three-day World Ag Expo at the International Agri-Center in Tulare. The event attracted nearly 100,000 visitors. corpsmembers described it as a huge success, as they provided on the spot training and education to all who stopped by the SCC Recycling booth. The SCC Recycling Specialist team interacted with attendees from all walks of life, inviting them to spin the recycling wheel to win fun prizes while also learning about recycling and conservation tips.

Attendees walked away with a handout on how to reuse, reduce, and recycle materials.

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