July 2015 Corps Connection Newsletter

Corps Connection Sequoia Community Corps

Tachi Palace Partners With SCC Recycling Department The Sequoia Community Corps’ (SCC) Department of Recycling recently renewed a partnership with Tachi Palace Hotel and Casino, building on a 3 year business relationship.

The recycling department will continue to collect all CRV and electronic waste material from the casino, with all profit donated back to the recycling program.

The Sequoia Community Corps thanks Tachi Palace Hotel and Casino for not only their support in creating new educational opportunities for local youth, but also for illustrating the importance of building professional partnerships and networks. The SCC appreciates your commitment to conservation.

Used Oil Recycling Program Continues to Thrive The Sequoia Community Corps’ Used Oil Recycling program is well into its first year. The program assists local farmers with safely collecting and recycling used oil from machinery or other industry purposes.

Corpsmembers participating in the recyling department of the Sequoia Community Corps use a large used oil truck to safely pump oil from storage containers (see picture, left). The program has collected 1,000 gallons to date, while only operating with one program vehicle.

Guillermo Blanco pumps oil into a recycling tank.

“We are excited to bring Tulare County a program that falls in line with our core values as a conservation corps,” Director of Recycling, Teresa Guzman said. “We are proud to encourage the community and agricultural related industries to actively practice environmental stewardship.”

While building partnerships, contracts, and other relationships within the community, the program hopes to expand by 10 percent following the first year. If you are interested in partnering with the Sequoia Community Corps recycling department, please contact Teresa Guzman by phone at (559) 732-4194 or via email at Teresa.Guzman@cset.org.

Volume Thirteen — July 2015

I tN SIDE his issue Corpsmember Spotlight: Guillermo Blanco Upcoming Events

Corps Connection Volume Thirteen — July 2015

Corpsmember Spotlight: Guillermo Blanco Guillermo Blanco joined the Sequoia Community Corps (SCC) in 2013 after struggling with a history of substance abuse and gang affiliations.

After moving to Tulare County, Guillermo was ready to change his course for himself and his family of four.

Guillermo started his journey by attending John Muir Charter School (JMCS) full time. Shortly after starting the program he learned he would have to retake over 100 credits, as the previous charter school he attended closed and his records were lost. With some encouragement from SCC and JMCS staff, Guillermo rose to the challenge, eager to achieve his goal of earning a high school diploma.

Guillermo Blanco

In addition to diving into his academics, Guillermo’s character and work ethic opened professional doors for him as well. Recognizing his consistent attendance and dedication, Guillermo was recommended by his teachers for a position in the Department of Recycling. There Guillermo mastered routes, sorting, and coordinating new business accounts.

Guillermo has become an inspiration to his classmates and peers; fellow Corpsmembers admire his never wavering tenacity. Guillermo is close to receiving his high school diploma, and has been promoted to a Recycling Education Specialist where he educates community members on the importance of recycling.

Guillermo is a proud example of the young men and women trained in the SCC. After graduation, Guillermo aspires to join the United States Navy. ”I am very thankful for what the Sequoia Community Corps has done for me,“ Guillermo said. “I am thankful to have people that believe in me.”

The Sequoia Community Corps finds it important to stay active in the community.

From recycling locations to special events, you can always catch Corpsmembers giving back.

Join us at any one of our upcoming events!

Getting involved is the first step in making changes. We hope to see you!

For more information on Sequoia Community Corps programs, please visit CSET online at www.CSET.org, or feel free to contact us at (559) 732-4194.

U P Ce vOe M ING n t s JULY 25 TH

EWASTE DROP-OFF EVENT Tulare Public Works 3981 S. K Street For a list of drop-off locations in Tulare County, please visit www.CSET.org

The mission of the Sequoia Community Corps is to provide young men and women with job training, education, leadership and environmental awareness through performance of community and conservation work projects.

Corps Connection is published quarterly by the Sequoia Community Corps.