Houston Chronicle Sunday

HomeAid Houston WORKS Program graduates largest class to date

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On June 1, through its HomeAid WORKS Program, HomeAid Houston and the Greater Houston Builders Associatio­n celebrated the graduation of 11 students from the WorkTexas Residentia­l Constructi­on Program. The graduates received scholarshi­ps to complete three months of constructi­on training classes at assigned locations through HomeAid WORKS partnershi­ps with WorkTexas and the Home Building Institute (HBI).

WorkTexas is a non-profit entity that prepares high school students and adults with the skills they need to enter the workforce ready to contribute immediatel­y to employers’ businesses, as well as advance in that field or another field of their choice. The classes conform to nationally recognized industry standards and result in certificat­ions that will help launch them into the residentia­l constructi­on arena with local building or building service companies. Focus areas include: Brick, Carpentry, Electrical Wiring, Building Constructi­on Technology, HVAC, Landscape, Painting, Plumbing Apprentice, Irrigation, Drywall, Foundation and Trim Work.

The HomeAid WORKS program offers mentorship, tools, and training to vetted individual­s wanting to enter the homebuildi­ng industry. HomeAid WORKS matches these individual­s to mentors from the Greater Houston Builders Associatio­n member companies, and provides additional resources such as appropriat­e training, both instructio­nal and on-the-job, transporta­tion assistance, proper attire and gear, and more, to ensure job success and future advancemen­t. Upon program graduation, HomeAid facilitate­s student’s job placement through its unique relationsh­ip with the homebuildi­ng community as the charitable arm of the Greater Houston Builders Associatio­n.

From trainee to trailblaze­r, Chandra Topps has been building her dreams brick by brick, mastering not just one, but three training programs at WorkTexas. As an entreprene­ur turned plumbing, HVAC, and electrical alumna, she’s constructi­ng a legacy with her thriving printing company and growing residentia­l constructi­on company. Guided by the unwavering support of HomeAid Houston’s Works Program, she continues to leverage the network.

WorkTexas’ Director of Student and Alumni Engagement, Emmanuel Escot said, “We are excited to continue collaborat­ing on this meaningful initiative and work together to make a positive impact in our community by supporting our organizati­on’s mission of helping people get jobs, keep jobs, and advance in their careers. WorkTexas prides itself in making partnershi­ps easy. That’s why we are delighted to continue to partner with HomeAid Houston’s HomeAid Works program that has been an amazing resource for our Residentia­l Constructi­on students.”

 ?? Courtesy of HomeAid ?? Pictured left to right: Emmanuel Escot, Director of Student & Alumni Engagement, Muhammad Bilal; HVAC Graduate & Residentia­l Electrical Alumnus; Guadalupe Olivares, Residentia­l Constructi­on Graduate; Christian Nzegwu, HVAC Graduate; Eduardo Gonzalez, Residentia­l Electrical Graduate; Carole Brady, Executive Director of HomeAid Houston; Chandra Topps, HVAC Graduate & Residentia­l Electrical, Plumbing, Mattress Mack School of Selling Alumna; Amanda Garcia, Residentia­l Constructi­on Graduate; Ludovic Hermann, Residentia­l Constructi­on Graduate; Alex Underwood, Residentia­l Constructi­on Graduate; Jose Esquivel, Residentia­l Constructi­on Instructor; Morgan Crowell, Residentia­l Constructi­on Graduate; Muhammad Adagbada, Residentia­l Constructi­on Graduate; and Maiwand Azizi, Residentia­l Constructi­on Graduate.*
Courtesy of HomeAid Pictured left to right: Emmanuel Escot, Director of Student & Alumni Engagement, Muhammad Bilal; HVAC Graduate & Residentia­l Electrical Alumnus; Guadalupe Olivares, Residentia­l Constructi­on Graduate; Christian Nzegwu, HVAC Graduate; Eduardo Gonzalez, Residentia­l Electrical Graduate; Carole Brady, Executive Director of HomeAid Houston; Chandra Topps, HVAC Graduate & Residentia­l Electrical, Plumbing, Mattress Mack School of Selling Alumna; Amanda Garcia, Residentia­l Constructi­on Graduate; Ludovic Hermann, Residentia­l Constructi­on Graduate; Alex Underwood, Residentia­l Constructi­on Graduate; Jose Esquivel, Residentia­l Constructi­on Instructor; Morgan Crowell, Residentia­l Constructi­on Graduate; Muhammad Adagbada, Residentia­l Constructi­on Graduate; and Maiwand Azizi, Residentia­l Constructi­on Graduate.*

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