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Our first 12-week class has finished in Charleston, with a graduation ceremony on June 6. Class started with 12 inmates and successful completion with 9 graduates. Second class began July 30 with graduation on November 1 with 9 inmates and successful completion with 7 graduates. A partnership was developed with Amanzi Farms in Sikeston, in order for the men to get their on-job-learning hours under the apprenticeship grant.
Amanzi Farms grows produce hydroponically. The word “hydroponic” means that plants are grown mostly in water. Amanzi Farms use deep water culture and nutrient film techniques to grow in green houses year round so their customers get high quality, local produce all year long. They specialize in serving schools, grocery stores and restaurants in Missouri and beyond. Their produce is grown, picked and packed in a way that ensures the highest quality product with a longer shelf life.
What a successful project. Here is a direct quote from Amanzi Farms Controller,
“We could not be happier with how it went this week. These guys can WORK. We will let you know about the Saturdays in the future. The supervisors wish you had 12 more guys to send us ‘haha’. The ones who really shine the most are Ryan, Dustin, Steven and Todd. The supervisors said they are over the top awesome. If they don’t have something right in front of them to do they will ask what do you want me to do next or they’ll start cleaning something up? Ryan is so wonderful at cleaning and organizing and we LOVE that. Todd is so positive and smiles all the time. When the owner was giving some instructions to the crew, Todd asked everyone to be quiet so they can hear. The amount of work we got accomplished this week made such a difference for our company and we are very grateful to all the guys. We’re excited about the amount of work that we will be able to do with them every week.
These guys are not only getting their hours for their apprenticeship, but making money, developing additional skills and seeing how their dedication to the education paid off!