Innovative Social Enterprise that is Helping Justice-Involved New Yorkers

What do you get when you combine sustainability, criminal justice, and workforce development? Meet Intervine, a Bronx-based social enterprise that provides on-the-job training to formerly incarcerated New Yorkers, working with New York City BIDs and developers to install green roofs, solar panels, and complete landscaping projects. One participant commented, “I was very pleased with all the knowledge and the training.” Intervine is a division of The HOPE Program and Sustainable South Bronx, two of the leading workforce development and job training programs in New York City. As Intervine’s Toby Sheppard Bloch says, “When you’re HOPE, you’re HOPE for life.” Read about Intervine’s work and how we supported them in launching their social enterprise.

WHAT WE’RE DOING

Staff news: We’re pleased to share that Matt Do has stepped into the role of Manager, a leadership role within our Client Services team. Matt joined the Public Works team as an Analyst in January 2018 to support the Raise the Age implementation project with the NYC Administration for Children’s Services. In his new role, Matt will continue to support ACS on Raise the Age and will also lead other client engagements. He is an experienced urban planner with a passion for improving cities and increasing the capacities of local non-profits. We’re excited for his next steps at Public Works Partners. Check out our blog, PublicWorksIQ, to learn about Matt’s path to Public Works and see where he’s volunteering these days.

Public Works on the Conference Scene: The Public Works team attended two conferences within the public sector realm recently. CEO Celeste Frye took part in the Smart Cities Conference in New York City, which convened innovators and decision makers who are improving city life through the use of data. The conference took a holistic look at the innovations in technology that are making cities livable, equitable, and sustainable. Director Allison Quigney went down to Washington, D.C. to attend the Bank On conference hosted by the Cities for Financial Empowerment Fund. This convention brought together numerous stakeholders form various sectors across the country to discuss strategies for integrating banking access into community programs. We’re always looking for opportunities to catch up with our friends and clients. Keep us posted if you are hosting any upcoming events!

WHAT OUR CLIENTS ARE DOING

Congratulations to Program Graduates: Our clients provide opportunities to help New Yorkers thrive, and Public Works celebrates the success of their participants! We are so proud to support our clients and their participants in programs that lead to recognized credentials and new careers. We are extending our heartiest congratulations to the recent graduates of the Roundabout Theatre Workforce Development Program, the Lincoln Center Scholars program, and the Intervine Program!

• The Roundabout Theatre Workforce Development Program graduated its first cohort earlier this month. This three-year program trains youth in careers within the technical theatre industry.
• The Lincoln Center Scholars program subsidizes students working toward their master’s degree in Education at Hunter College School of Education, while also working as fulltime arts teacher in a New York City classroom. The third class of scholars completed their degrees this year.
• Intervine is a social enterprise that prepares court-involved individuals for careers in green infrastructure and horticulture. We were thrilled to attend their cohort graduation this spring.