{"id":74148,"date":"2025-07-22T11:58:45","date_gmt":"2025-07-22T18:58:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lapost.us\/?p=74148"},"modified":"2025-07-28T11:59:26","modified_gmt":"2025-07-28T18:59:26","slug":"barger-champions-second-chances-honors-flintridge-centers-50th-apprenticeship-cohort","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lapost.us\/?p=74148","title":{"rendered":"Barger Champions Second Chances, Honors Flintridge Center\u2019s 50th Apprenticeship Cohort"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Supervisor Kathryn Barger poses alongside Flintridge Center’s Executive Director Josh McCurry and fellow team members during today’s Board of Supervisors Public Hearing meeting. (Photo credit: Martin Zamora\/LA County).<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Chair Kathryn Barger<\/strong>\u00a0today honored Pasadena\u2019s\u00a0\u00a0Flintridge Center<\/a>, celebrating the graduation of the 50th cohort of its renowned\u00a0Apprenticeship Preparation Program<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Supervisor Barger recognized the transformative impact of Flintridge Center\u2019s 10\u2011week, 240\u2011hour training initiative that prepares formerly incarcerated individuals for sustainable careers in union construction trades. She also praised the program\u2019s holistic approach and its partnership with organizations like 2nd Call and the LA\/OC Building Trades.<\/p>\n

\u201cFlintridge Center doesn\u2019t just train people for jobs,\u201d stated\u00a0Supervisor Kathryn Barger<\/strong>. \u201cIt restores hope and unlocks potential. When you see the faces of these graduates, you see proof that second chances change lives. Each graduate is building not only a new future for themselves, but also a stronger foundation for our entire community. As we recover from recent disasters and look to the future, these skilled men and women will help us rebuild, inspire, and thrive.\u201d<\/p>\n

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Flintridge Center program participants in training and at work. (Photo credit: Flintridge Center)<\/em><\/h2>\n

Launched in 2008 to address a lack of career opportunities for those reentering society, Flintridge Center\u2019s\u00a0 Apprenticeship Preparation Program equips participants with hands\u2011on trade skills, interpersonal and financial management training, and an industry\u2011recognized Multi\u2011Craft Core Curriculum certification. Since its inception, 1,130 graduates have successfully completed the program, with 70% employed within a year and fewer than 10% returning to incarceration\u2014a stark contrast to California\u2019s 50% recidivism rate.<\/p>\n

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Supervisor Kathryn Barger shakes the hand of a graduate at Flintridge Center’s recent graduation ceremony at the Rose Bowl (Photo credit: Michael Owen Baker\/LA County).<\/em><\/h2>\n

\u201cIt is truly humbling to be recognized today,\u201d said\u00a0Josh McCurry, Executive Director of the Flintridge Center<\/strong>. \u201cOur work is never done in isolation\u2014we stand on the shoulders of many community partners, including the County and the City of Pasadena. Reaching this important milestone is a testament of all of us working together. At our recent graduation ceremony, a mother told me she no longer has to worry about her son\u2019s future and that she finally feels he will be okay. For her, that peace of mind was everything. That kind of lasting security is the greatest measure of our success.\u201d<\/p>\n

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A proud program graduate holds his certificate at Flintridge Center’s graduation ceremony (Photo credit: Michael Owen Baker\/LA County).<\/em><\/h2>\n

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A proud family gathers with their graduate to celebrate at Flintridge Center’s graduation ceremony (Photo credit: Michael Owen Baker\/LA County).<\/em><\/h2>\n

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Flintridge Center program graduates clap and celebrate at their graduation ceremony (Photo credit: Michael Owen Baker\/LA County).<\/em><\/h2>\n

The County of Los Angeles proudly invests in Flintridge Center\u2019s mission through its\u00a0Justice, Care, and Opportunities Department<\/a>,\u00a0Department of Youth Development<\/a>, and\u00a0Department of Economic Opportunity<\/a>, ensuring that more residents have access to life\u2011changing opportunities.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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