August 2011 Corpsmember of the Month

Raul Lopez

Supervisor: Cari Mitchell, Community Recycling Supervisor

Crew: Community Recycling Crew

Length of time at CCNB: 3 months

Reason corpsmember was selected: Raul shows a strong work ethic, setting a good example for other Corpsmembers. Raul also displays excellent leadership qualities along with maintaining interest in daily duties and ongoing projects. It’s that kind of attitude that inspires other corpsmembers to get more involved in projects.

Leadership: At the moment, he does not have a leadership position but he is in the process of applying for the Assistant Crew Leader (ACL) Position.

Skills training received at CCNB: He has learned how to properly run the Baler along with other important required equipment used in our daily functions.

Favorite project: Raul enjoys learning what’s necessary for his job. He enjoys being in the Bin Building Shop getting some carpentry experience.

Favorite educational component: His favorite educational component is that the teachers help when needed and try to go the extra mile for you if that is what’s needed.

Favorite aspect of working at CCNB: My favorite part about working at CCNB is that it’s a vocational training program. You can work and also take your education to the next level.

What did Corpsmember do before joining CCNB? Before Raul joined CCNB, he was unemployed. He had just got out of prison and was searching for work. He had applied at different places with no success.

Why they joined CCNB: He joined CCNB so that he can finish his school education and also be able to work.

Corpsmember’s future plans: Raul plans on going into warehouse work once all his CCNB goals are completed. Then he wants to go and sign up for a union, once he's ready for his next phase in life.

How CCNB has changed their life: CCNB gave him the opportunity that most employers refused to do. He is on a positive path to success.

What life lessons has the Corpsmember learned from the experience? That the harder you work and more effort you put into things, the better the outcome will be.

Any advice for young people wanting to join CCNB? If you are given the opportunity at CCNB, take full advantage of it and all that is given through the program.

What’s the most important thing you’ve learned from this experience? That it’s never too late to try and better one’s life.