The Department of Labor finally reversed the decision to close the Anaconda Job Corps Center. My head is still spinning and I am completely drained but we actually did it. We need to stay alert to ensure they fulfill this promise but for now we have won.
July 10, 2019
Final supporters
The Department of labor's May 24th press release announcing the closure of the Anaconda Job corps center states” This action creates an opportunity to serve a greater number of students at higher performing centers at a lower cost to taxpayers by modernizing and reforming part of the Job Corps program”.
The Anaconda Job Corps Center currently ranks #1 in the11 state Dallas Region and #8 out of 126 Centers nationally. The stated reason for closing this center is inconsistent with the logic stated in the press release.
The Anaconda Center serves approximately 354 disadvantage youths each year. Its programs include training in carpentry, heavy equipment operation, equipment mechanics, painting and welding. All skills that are critical to the Trump Administration’s proposed trillion dollar infrastructure investment.
Anaconda has been identified by the Census Bureau as a low income area. Twenty percent of the population earns less than the poverty level. As a result of the low income identification Anaconda has been designated as an Economic Opportunity Investment Zone. The goal Economic Opportunity Zones is to spur private investment into low income communities to stimulate development and job creation. This closure erases a local economic development asset. The availability of skilled labor is a key component of economic development, the loss of trained Job Corps graduates will hamper local development. The decision to close the Anaconda Center is at odds with the goals of an economic opportunity zone because it both hampers local development and eliminates jobs.
Anaconda has a population of 7,700 the loss of 60 jobs will have an immediate effect on the local economy; the effect will be more widespread than the lost 60 jobs. The Anaconda Job Corps is an important part of the Anaconda Community adding $8.17 million to the local economy, according to an estimate by the Job Corps. Students as a part of their training have supported the local community by providing skilled labor for community improvement projects.
Anaconda- Deer lodge Chief Executive Officer Bill Everett stated to the Montana Standard “everything has a cost this program is a positive cost”.
Please reconsider this abrupt decision the impact on the students and community is considerable
Updates
Reached 1,000 supporters
May 28, 2019
May 28, 2019
The calls to the department offices have led to nothing but automated loops and empty silence so far. It is draining to keep pushing against this wall but the reality of what this closure does to our community keeps me at the desk every night.
May 28, 2019
Reaching this level of support feels heavy because it confirms how many people see the value of what we are losing here. The exhaustion is setting in but knowing so many others refuse to let this center go keeps me moving forward.
Reached 100 supporters
May 27, 2019
733 Comments
The facility is so needed in Montana, the students also receive dental and health care and good meals things they may not have otherwise. So many life skills are learned. There should be more in Montana, Closing this facility is NOT the answer.
Jobcorps is where my life began. I was taught so much and got the help I needed to succeed. If they start being shut down, you would be crippling an entire generation that is already struggling to make it. It doesn't just prepare you for work, it saves lives!!!
This Job Corp facility is run very effectively by a great staff; employs a large number of good local people who are committed to this program; I personally have known youth that have graduated from this facility...let's keep it operational !!!
When we train marginalized young women and men in professions where they can be employed and contribute to their communities, we improve everyone’s lives. Closing the #1 Job Corps Center in the region is unconscionable. Please reconsider this mistake.
It is ridiculous to close down the Anaconda Job Corps. It is a very successful program and provides a ton of support ot our community. It has worked out great under the guidance of the forest service and does not need to be privatized.
Why harm young people? What’s the point of this thoughtless cruelty?
Keep job corps open!
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The Department of Labor finally reversed the decision to close the Anaconda Job Corps Center. My head is still spinning and I am completely drained but we actually did it. We need to stay alert to ensure they fulfill this promise but for now we have won.
July 10, 2019
Final supporters
The Department of labor's May 24th press release announcing the closure of the Anaconda Job corps center states” This action creates an opportunity to serve a greater number of students at higher performing centers at a lower cost to taxpayers by modernizing and reforming part of the Job Corps program”.
The Anaconda Job Corps Center currently ranks #1 in the11 state Dallas Region and #8 out of 126 Centers nationally. The stated reason for closing this center is inconsistent with the logic stated in the press release.
The Anaconda Center serves approximately 354 disadvantage youths each year. Its programs include training in carpentry, heavy equipment operation, equipment mechanics, painting and welding. All skills that are critical to the Trump Administration’s proposed trillion dollar infrastructure investment.
Anaconda has been identified by the Census Bureau as a low income area. Twenty percent of the population earns less than the poverty level. As a result of the low income identification Anaconda has been designated as an Economic Opportunity Investment Zone. The goal Economic Opportunity Zones is to spur private investment into low income communities to stimulate development and job creation. This closure erases a local economic development asset. The availability of skilled labor is a key component of economic development, the loss of trained Job Corps graduates will hamper local development. The decision to close the Anaconda Center is at odds with the goals of an economic opportunity zone because it both hampers local development and eliminates jobs.
Anaconda has a population of 7,700 the loss of 60 jobs will have an immediate effect on the local economy; the effect will be more widespread than the lost 60 jobs. The Anaconda Job Corps is an important part of the Anaconda Community adding $8.17 million to the local economy, according to an estimate by the Job Corps. Students as a part of their training have supported the local community by providing skilled labor for community improvement projects.
Anaconda- Deer lodge Chief Executive Officer Bill Everett stated to the Montana Standard “everything has a cost this program is a positive cost”.
Please reconsider this abrupt decision the impact on the students and community is considerable
Updates
Reached 1,000 supporters
May 28, 2019
May 28, 2019
The calls to the department offices have led to nothing but automated loops and empty silence so far. It is draining to keep pushing against this wall but the reality of what this closure does to our community keeps me at the desk every night.
May 28, 2019
Reaching this level of support feels heavy because it confirms how many people see the value of what we are losing here. The exhaustion is setting in but knowing so many others refuse to let this center go keeps me moving forward.
Reached 100 supporters
May 27, 2019
733 Comments
Closing the Anaconda Job Corps would be a terrible mistake. There are so many individuals & businesses that have benefited from this Center & there is such a huge need for individuals to enter into trades to fulfill the shortages being experienced.
The facility is so needed in Montana, the students also receive dental and health care and good meals things they may not have otherwise. So many life skills are learned. There should be more in Montana, Closing this facility is NOT the answer.
Jobcorps is where my life began. I was taught so much and got the help I needed to succeed. If they start being shut down, you would be crippling an entire generation that is already struggling to make it. It doesn't just prepare you for work, it saves lives!!!
This Job Corp facility is run very effectively by a great staff; employs a large number of good local people who are committed to this program; I personally have known youth that have graduated from this facility...let's keep it operational !!!
When we train marginalized young women and men in professions where they can be employed and contribute to their communities, we improve everyone’s lives. Closing the #1 Job Corps Center in the region is unconscionable. Please reconsider this mistake.
It is ridiculous to close down the Anaconda Job Corps. It is a very successful program and provides a ton of support ot our community. It has worked out great under the guidance of the forest service and does not need to be privatized.
Why harm young people? What’s the point of this thoughtless cruelty?
Keep job corps open!
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Closing the Anaconda Job Corps would be a terrible mistake. There are so many individuals & businesses that have benefited from this Center & there is such a huge need for individuals to enter into trades to fulfill the shortages being experienced.