February 14th, 2025

This week's photo features corpsmembers and staff working on the OES Watershed and Debris Flow Taskforce in LA. The OES Watershed and Debris Flow Taskforce is in charge of installing emergency protection materials such as straw wattles and compost silt socks to contain hazardous materials from the Palisades Fires from entering LA's creeks, rivers, and other bodies of water. Amazing job team!

For a chance to be featured on the photo of the week, please email your best pictures to social@sjcccs.org or share your team updates on Slack.

ICE RESOURCES AND SUPPORT FOR ALL

In light of recent changes at the national level, we want to reaffirm our commitment to being a safe and inclusive space for all. For over 30 years, it has been the mission of the San Jose Conservation Corps + Charter School to support young adults in their personal, professional, and educational goals while serving our community. Recent events have solidified the purpose and importance of this organization. This is not the first time we have faced adversity together as a team, and in these times it is critical that we remember and uphold our mission and values in the face of uncertainty. 

Our HR department and leadership team are available for support and resources as needed. Please speak to any of them to receive a “red card”, available in English and Spanish, which are meant to help people understand their rights on how to defend themselves in immigration-related situations, such as when ICE agents go to a home. Please use the button below to see a list of other resources and services for immigrants and transgender individuals.

WILDLAND FIREFIGHTING PATHWAY

We are recruiting corpsmembers who are interested in exploring a career in wildland firefighting to participate in a new training pathway! This pathway consists of up to five industry recognized certifications:

• Pre-reqs: FEMA IS-100c and FEMA IS-700b

• Entry Level Wildland Firefighter

• Hand and Power Tooling

• Basic Horticulture for Parks and Public Land Management

• CalTrans Roadside Safety

• Wilderness First Responder (not required)

Gain knowledge, skills, and connections that will introduce you to a career in wildland firefighting! If you are interested, please fill out the interest form using the QR code above or the sign up button below. If you have any questions please contact your Corps Futures Coordinator.

CORPS DAY CELEBRATION

SJCC+CS presents our Corps Day Celebration! Join us next Wednesday, February 19th from 3-4:30pm at the Senter Campus for free food and drinks! Thank you for all your hard work! 

For more information contact Support Services. 

NORTH CAROLINA UPDATE: OPERATION MUCK & GUT

Corpsmembers continue their hard work in North Carolina, helping communities recover from the devastation of Hurricane Helene. They are working with Civicorps to muck and gut a water-damaged house, preparing it for rebuilding. Previously mentioned the term "muck and gut" refers to the initial phase of cleaning up a building affected by flooding or disaster damage. Each effort is bringing these communities one step closer to recovery. Keep up the great work! Swipe to see their progress.

JANUARY CORPSMEMBER OF THE MONTH

Join us in giving a big round of applause for the January Corpsmember of the month, Alex K.! Alex has been an amazing part of the Zero-Waste team, showcasing his amazing customer service skills in the E-waste call center, showing up ready to work, and being a positive light wherever he goes. Congratulations again Alex!

Feeling inspired? Next month, it could be you earning this recognition! Keep striving to lead by example, live our values, and make a positive impact every day. Your hard work doesn’t go unnoticed!

AMERICORPS AWARDS

Congratulations to the following corpsmembers Thomas, Shelby, Andrew, and Matthew who have completed their term of service. These hardworking corpsmembers show up to work and help transform our community, environment, and themselves in a positive way! Their hard work has paid off and they all have earned their AmeriCorps scholarship towards a brighter future.

COYOTE CREEK CLEAN UP 

Thank you to CCAC Fellows Calla and Leslie, who partnered with AmeriCorps to perform a clean up at Coyote Creek.

WHEEL ELECTRIC FORKLIFT CERTIFIED

We have another trained and certified forklift driver, Karen O.! Congratulations on your certification!

CPR CERTIFIED

On February 11th, 2025, CMD instructed First Aid/CPR/AED class to staff, Projects, Resilience and Zero Waste departments. 11 participants are now trained and certified to save lives! Congratulations!

CBS NEWS FEATURE: FOOD PANTRY PROGRAM

CBS News recently recognized the amazing work our CCAC fellows put in to reduce food waste and keep our community markets open and stocked. Check out the video above to learn more.

GET $100

FEBRUARY JOB OPPORTUNITIES

Check out some exciting job opportunities for February! 

VOLUNTEERING OPPORTUNTIES

Support Services will be providing volunteer opportunities for corpsmembers to fulfill community service hours. You can get involved in activities like food boxing, food prep, and food distribution. If you are interested please use the QR code above, or the sign up button below.

If you have any questions feel free to reach out to Support Services or Angelica Saldivar.

CLOSET SUPER SALE! FREE CLOTHES, SHOES, & MORE

Support Services is offering complimentary clothing for CM's. We have a variety of items available, including jackets, casual wear, baby apparel, and footwear.

Contact Support Services or Cris for more information. 

HAPPY PRESIDENT'S DAY

Offices and school will be closed Monday February 17th for President's Day. Enjoy your 3-day weekend! 

CHARTER SCHOOL WINTER BREAK

Winter Break is here! The Charter School will be closed for Winter Break February 17th to February 21st!

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU

We have a new feedback email available to everyone (both staff and CMs). Feel free to scan the QR code above or email feedback@sjcccs.org directly. If you have any questions about this new channel of feedback you can email Jasmine Fuentes.