In the Spring of 2011, Miami Job Corps Painting Trade students completed a 4 week long project with Neighborhood Housing Services South Florida (NHSSF).  For the housing organizations “NeighborWorks Paint-Out”-campaign, the Job Corps students volunteered their time and skills to pressure washing, caulking and primer-painting dozensof homes in Brownsville.  This was the 4^th year MJCC has worked on this project, and this year it resulted in a partnership agreement and all 20 Painting trainees being awarded a stipend.

Neighborhood Housing Services of South Florida (NHSSF) is a champion when it comes to making a difference in the lives of thousands of citizens in South Florida.  With a history going back to 1978, NHSSF has maintained a stellar track record for ongoing housing initiatives and neighborhood revitalization projects.

It isn’t suprising that Miami Job Corps Painting Instructor Eric Howard has always been at the forefront of these projects with NHSSF.  In fact, Howard believes so much in the value of these kinds of “hands-on” experiences that he has led his young students to volunteer their painting skills with other charitable causes; such as with the United Way of Broward, Hands On Miami and Charlee Homes.   Howard’s other attributes include his success as a licensed painter for 15 years and continued service as the President of the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades Local 365 in Pompano Beach, Florida.

Blog Writer: Lori M. Trujillo