Title
Recognizing and honoring the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society for its "Roots to Re-entry" Boot Camp Program, which provides returning citizens with the tools and support they need to obtain meaningful employment in the horticulture and landscape industries.
Body
WHEREAS, The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society (PHS) has the mission of strengthening communities by increasing access to fresh food, creating healthy living environments, building deeper social connections, and growing economic opportunity; and
WHEREAS, As a part of this mission, PHS created the "Roots to Re-entry" Program, which provides citizens transitioning back into their communities from the Philadelphia Prison System with the necessary skills to obtain employment in the horticulture and landscape industries; and
WHEREAS, Designed in collaboration with a strategic employer network, the six-week program's curriculum includes intensive hands-on training in horticulture, landscape maintenance, hardscaping and other green industry skill sets, as well as health and job preparedness workshops; and
WHEREAS, Upon graduation, graduates are linked to a network of green industry employers. These employers include Cherry Blossom Landscaping, Inc., C&H Landscapes, Inc., TWB Enterprise, LLC, James Rogan Landscape and Tree Service, LLC, Moon Site Management, and Philadelphia LandCare and Community LandCare Partners; and
WHEREAS, Additionally, graduates are provided with one year of case management and post release support to aid them with job placement, housing, continuing education, healthcare, childcare, and more; and
WHEREAS, PHS offers this Program in collaboration with the Philadelphia Prison System, Department of Housing and Community Development, Defender Association of Philadelphia, Office of the District Attorney, the Mayor's Office of Reintegration Services (RISE), and CareerLink. The Program is also supported by various organizations and foundations, including United Way, Cherry Blossom...
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