Local donor matching up to $250K in donations for FISH Student Housing Revitalization Program
Submitted by Carson Now Reader on Mon, 01/16/2023 - 4:02pm
Carson City residents might know Friends in Service Helping, or “FISH,” for their thrift stores and food bank, but a new project with big, long-terms goals, helping a higher level of client, is finally taking shape on Carson City’s main street. The FISH Student Housing Project — completion planned for Fall 2023.
The time has come to make an even bigger impact on the members of this community that will not only give them the tools to survive but also the confidence to achieve a stable life they once thought was not possible in their circumstances. That is where FISH continues to step-in and step-up.
The most significant issues in our region are the lack of affordable housing and skilled labor to fill jobs that regional employers require. FISH believes the best approach is not to build more affordable housing, but to develop a workforce that doesn't rely on affordable housing.
This program is going to help single parent families (and others) make ends meet and it helps to end the cycle of generational poverty. When children see their parents put in the work needed to build sustainability they are learning how to do the same for themselves and their future families.
Take Sarah, for example. When Sarah was referred to FISH, she was battling addiction and made an unlivable wage to support her family. Fast forward to today, Sarah has not only graduated from the FISH Revitalization Project, she now has three Manufacturing certificates through Western Nevada College and a career to show for it. By committing to her life, she has inspired her daughters to also finish schooling, go to college, and complete a technical degree.
Sarah said, "I haven't been proud of myself in a very long time, but thanks to FISH's help and encouragement, I am at a place I never thought I would be again. The opportunities that I have in front of me are amazing."
Perhaps you have even seen the construction off of N. Carson Street by Donuts To Go. The FISH Student Housing Project will have 36 apartments dedicated to growing our regional labor force. FISH will provide wrap-around services, as needed, for these underemployed individuals earning college-level technical certifications. We will move families from minimum wage to meaningful careers. After students are established in their new careers, they will transition to other housing.
This career training includes, but is not limited to: Healthcare, Construction Management, Information Technology, Advanced Manufacturing, Journeymen Electrician, HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning), and CDL Truck Driving. The program will provide education resulting in technical certifications providing the opportunity to join firms that provide insurance and educational benefits.
“We are revitalizing Carson City and are providing training to the local labor force so they can fill higher-paying open positions in the area,” said Executive Director Jim Peckham. He adds, “the important thing for us is to help people who are underemployed. Lending a helping hand for clients to gain technical training helps renew our workforce which boosts our economy.”
Families who join the program will live in the dorms while they complete their school program, while other students who are taking similar classes, may also be able to live in the dorms based on availability. FISH partners with Western Nevada College to offer education and placement in several needed technical careers, and with the Capitol C.I.R.C.L.E.S. Initiative to train these families in life skills and to connect them with mentors.
Construction is already in process and the first dorm tower is set to be complete by September 2023. Though construction has become a reality, FISH still needs funding to help complete the $16 million project. Peckham indicates that FISH has raised over half of the total budget so far and they are looking for more donors to participate.
Become a part of the solution! Your contribution to help funds this project will be matched up to $250,000 from a local donor. “Dormitory” naming opportunities are also available for donors making substantial contributions to this program.
Head over to http://www.nvfish.com/donate today to join the ever-growing list of donors and watch this project come to life because of you!
About FISH
For 44 years, FISH has been working to meet the needs of those in need by providing various resources and referrals to help individuals and families overcome the hardships they face. Our goal is to ensure that those willing to help themselves will not go without necessities crucial to obtaining dignity and self-sufficiency. Our social workers, doctors, nurses, and other staff/ volunteers have earned us multiple honors in our region. We develop individual plans for our clients to identify their needs and provide appropriate care/training, so they accomplish individual goals to change behaviors. With changed behaviors, clients change their lives.
Go here to have your contribution matched by January 31, 2023!
