ReSOURCE Barre, VT

Description

In 1991 in Burlington, Vermont, ReCycle North began an innovative program of repairing and reselling household items that otherwise would have gone to the dump. Out of that founding vision, more than 750 people have received job training and skills essential to gainful employment, 10,000 low-income people have received needed household goods and building materials, more than 10,000 tons of materials have been kept from the landfill, and 50 people now have secure employment through income earned largely from this social enterprise. ReSOURCE’s success to date has proven its sustainability and is replicating this model of environmental sustainability, educational training, and economic opportunity in central Vermont.

ReSOURCE YouthBuild is a 12-month program serving 16 to 24 year-old men and women in Chittenden and Washington counties who have left traditional high school and need comprehensive development and job training. Youth are trained in construction skills while building affordable housing, and learning energy efficiency skills. ReSOURCE's YouthBuild participants have the opportunity to graduate with their high school diplomas, and earn certificates in OSHA10, NCCER, First Aid & CPR Training, and an AmeriCorps Education Award.