Xavier University
(AGRICULTURE STREET LANDFILL INITIATIVE)
Clark Atlanta University/Xavier University/Laborers-AGC
(Grant # 5-U45 ESO7842-03) and (Grant # 5-U45 ESO7842-04S1)
WEST DALLAS SUPERFUND JOBS TRAINING INITIATIVE
During the third year of its cooperative agreement with NIEHS (1997-98), Xavier University’s Minority Worker Training Program conducted an initiative aimed at recruiting and training residents of the Agriculture Street Landfill area. The five young men who were recruited completed all aspects of training. The Basic Skills component included Study Skills, Math Skills, Introduction to Hazardous Waste (terminology), Life Skills, Job Readiness, Physical Fitness, Environmental Justice seminars, and Individual Counseling. All five of the ”Ag Street” recruits were certified in Basic Construction, Lead/Asbestos Abatement and Hazardous Waste Removal. Four of the five have been successfully employed in environmental remediation (See the picture above). Three of these young men have worked on the EPA’s clean up in the Agriculture Street Landfill area. Two of the three on the Ag Street cleanup were hired and worked as supervisors in recognition of the excellence of their training.
Xavier University was awarded a supplemental grant in the fourth year of its cooperative agreement with NIEHS (1998-99) that funded the West Dallas Superfund Jobs Training Initiative. This super JTI program is being partially funded by EPA’s Region VI., and by funds that are to be awarded to the West Dallas community from the RSR Lead Smelter Company, the company that was responsible for three decades of pollution within that community. New Start for a Better Environment is the community group in partnership on this program. Brenda Moore of New Start is the Site Manager.
Recruitment for this program has already begun. The advisory board members who have served the greater West Dallas community’s Brownfields Job Training Program (BJTP) will be invited to remain in place for the super JTI program. The advisory board was assembled with the assistance of Henry Adkins of the West Dallas Multi-Purpose Center and Shallie Bey of the West Dallas Neighborhood Development Corporation. An extended interview/screening/orientation is scheduled to begin April 12th. During the week long process, potential participants will interviewed, tested and screened by staff members. Those who are deemed appropriate for training will be invited for a two day orientation process that includes group activities (See picture below). The instructional staff and counselors will assist core staff members in running the orientation activities. Participants will be evaluated throughout the two-day period to ensure that they are well-matched to the program. Any participants who are not successful during orientation will be screened out. The target number for this training is ten (10).
Classes for the Basic Skills component begin April 19th. The instructional staff and counselors that were hired for the BJTP will be hired for the super JTI as well, provided they have received acceptable evaluations. Sharon Glenn of Mountain View Community College will continue to serve as the Teacher Coordinator, and will, along with Dr. Margaret Montgomery, Dean of Delgado Community College (Teacher Trainer), evaluate and hire instructional staff and counselors for the super JTI program. Technical training for this program will be handled by the Laborers’ mobile unit. Technical training will include Basic Construction, Lead/Asbestos Abatement, and Hazardous Waste.
For information regarding these programs, please contact
Myra Marion Lewis
Program Manager
Deep South Center for Environmental Justice
Xavier University
504 488-1081
mmarlewis@aol.com
Deep South Center for
Environmental Justice
7325 Palmetto St. Box 45B
New Orleans, LA 70125
Phone:504 483-7340
Fax: 504 488-3081
Email: DSCEJ@aol.com
Xavier University