Conservation Corps Of Long Beach

Conservation corps of long beach (cclb) is a nonprofit organization founded in 1987 to support young adults ages 18-26 as they realize their potential through work, service, conservation and education. Corpsmembers, many of whom come from and live in historicallyunder-resourced communities, as well as communities where environmental justice issues like inadequate access to healthy food, air and water pollution, and inadequate transportation are prevalent. They are typically no longer in school or working and face multiple life challenges. Our focus is asset-based, and we pride ourselves in "meeting young people where they are" rather than having them fit into a preconceived box. We prioritize conservation-focused service projects and career training in addition to meeting other community needs. Our young people are individuals who are case managed as such and provided with the resources they need to move beyond the racial inequities that exist in their communities and into futures that need the expertise that they bring with them and a support system that exists while they are getting a solid footing.through cclb, corpsmembers gain work experience and develop in-demand skills. On any given day, more than 100 corpsmembers perform a wide assortment of environmental work projects throughout long beach and surrounding cities and communities including catalina island, the angeles national forest, the cleveland national forest and along the lower los angeles and san gabriel rivers. These projects include planting and caring for trees, abating litter that is on a trajectory towards major waterways, recycling, aiding in disaster relief and rebuilding, creating fire resilient wildlands, creating drought-tolerant landscapes, building community gardens, constructing parks, maintaining wetlands, building, and maintaining trails, restoring native habitats and even educating the public about important environmental issues.

Providing supportive services is central to the mission of cclb and helping young adults realize their potential. Our overarching goal is to create career pathways and opportunities that when put together programmatically, reduce and/or remove barriers to long-term success. The supportive services provided are designed to aid corpsmembers in their personal and professional development while they engage in environmental conservation work. These programs are structured to provide not just job training but also educational and life skills support to help participants succeed in their careers and communities. The specific supportive services offered vary by individual need, but typically include:- educational support such as high school diploma completion and college coursework, as well as environmental education. This support often includes tutoring and mentorship to help participants achieve their educational goals.- job training and career development support through hands-on training, classroom-based learning, and experiential learning. This includes certifications in first aid/cpr, resume writing workshops, job placement services, and career counseling to help corpsmembers transition into the workforce.- life skills training that prepares corpsmembers for success beyond the program including financial literacy, time management, conflict resolution, leadership development, and teamwork.- health and safety training on safe work practices, use of personal protective equipment, the proper usage of hand tools, and certifications related to the safe operation of machinery such as bailers and forklifts.- scholarships are available annually through ongoing fundraising efforts and through the americorps program. In-house, we provide more than $25,000 annually to corpsmembers and alumni pursuing higher education.we are proud to continue supporting corpsmembers even after they successfully complete the program (typically a one-year commitment).- housing and transportation assistance are provided as needed directly and through referrals to other agencies and community-based organizations.- mental health and wellness support is provided directly and again here, through referrals to other agencies and community-based organizations. Cclb offers counseling services and wellness activities (such as ropes courses and recreational opportunities) to support their overall well-being and exposure to the resources in the region physically, emotionally and culturally.