The Green Door Fund for Workforce Development and Education, an internal program of the Fayette Community Foundation, is committed to providing job awareness, training, and career opportunities to local students and young adults in Fayette County and the surrounding rural region. Emphasizing alternatives to traditional college education, the fund aims to support local students who represent the overlooked and underserved 38% of high school graduates in the U.S. who do not pursue college, along with the 16% who do not graduate high school. Led by an Advisory Council comprised of noted and trusted members of our community, The Green Door Fund is working towards enhancing the quality of life for all members of our rural region by helping our youth find mean ingful employment and our busi- nesses find the staff they need to operate successfully.
'In our world, green signifies growth and opportunity. The Green Door Fund is all about providing the 'green light' to indi- viduals seeking fulfilling careers without the necessity of a college degree,' says Leslie Penello, FCF Board Secretary and Chair of the Green Door Fund.
Recognizing the growing demand for skilled workers in local businesses, the Green Door Fund facilitates awareness and access to entry-level job oppor- tunities in various fields such as electricians, plumbers, mechan- ics, welders, certified nursing assistants, and commercial drivers. By bridging the gap between eager learners and employers, the fund envisions a thriving community built on the principles of inclusivity, mentorship, and skill development.
In its first year since being es tablished in January of 2023, the Green Door Fund raised over $20,000 from community members and invested over $12,000 to charitable initiatives aligned with its goals and mission. Supported organizations include Alliance for College & Career Student Success (ACCSS), St. James Preschool, La Grange Education Foundation, Boys & Girls Club of Champion Valley, And Then a New Day, and Hesed House of Wharton.
In addition to providing fiscal resources, the members of the Green Door Fund Council established a partnership with LGISD to spearhead two educational programs aimed at supporting local rural students in our area. Implemented in Fall of 2023, The Thrive Mentoring Program currently has 12 active volunteers dedicated to providing essential mentorship to high school students in need, with plans for expansion to other schools in the area. Additionally, the first Ca - reer Crusade was coordinated for LGHS in November 2023, collaborating with local businesses like McCourt Equipment, Fayette County EMS, Dairy Farmers of America, and Colorado Valley Communications to broaden student awareness of rural career opportunities.
Looking ahead to 2024, the Green Door Fund launches its March Matching Program with $10,000 in secured matching donations from local businesses. Community support is essential to unlock these funds, enabling investments in the futures of rural students and fulfilling the workforce needs of local businesses.
'We aim to break through the 'paper ceiling' by empowering individuals with valuable skills and opportunities for personal and professional growth. Our focus is to assist our youth and adults in developing valuable skills through community col- lege, workforce training, certifi cate programs, military service or on-the-job training.' says Missy Brown-Rusek, Owner of Texas One Stop and Green Door Fund Council Member.
To contribute to the Green Door Fund’s March Matching Program, or learn more about its initiatives, please visit www.faycofoundation. com/gdf or mail donations to P.O. Box 664, La Grange, TX, 78945.
