Miss Torsha Lane

The Weatherization Experience:

Although the word “weatherization” is new, the concept is practically ancient. The most important information I’ve obtained throughout my training as a weatherization technician was simply this: know who you are. Know your self worth. Become your title and nothing else for your employer’s expense.

I must say, that at first the idea of handling such bulky equipment was nerve wracking, but when properly taught how to handle the equipment in a safe way it gave me the confidence to tackle my fear head-on. Today I can confidently say I am a weatherization technician all the way. Yay me!

The Elite 15:

Thankful is the only word I could think of. How blessed am I to meet such a distinct and flavorable group of people. Our backgrounds and pedigrees might be different but our hunger and drive are remarkably the same. I challenge you to get to know the Elite 15!

Westchester Business Journal

Robert Richardson and Ralph Veal

See the front page article about Yonkers Green Connection in the Westchester Business Journal online by clicking here!

Miss Katherine Dukes, Case Manager/Job Developer

All people need someone to believe in them...
and I believe in them.

Nothing is impossible. It can all be done; you just have to believe that it can. Then you make a plan, pull up your boots, and get going.

My goal is to leave a legacy. I want my son to be able to say that his mom made a difference, and this program will be an important part of my legacy. I believe in every single person in this program. I can tell who has the hunger for it, and that’s why they are here. I knew some of these guys before – I’d see them hanging out while I was on my way to work. And now they are doing something phenomenal. I see pride in their eyes as they work in the classroom, and it’s really amazing to overhear them talking casually about square roots, and blueprints and HVAC systems.

It is my goal to restore the urban family to its rightful, successful, whole place. I understand the process because I came through it. I was in the welfare cycle; it was degrading and limiting. I had to answer to everybody and I was imprisoned in the system. All I needed was a chance, but it was frustrating because there are very few programs for people who just need a break, a break from oppressive poverty. It is hard to find a way out. The day my son was born I looked at him and realized that I could not go down to First Avenue and First Street with my baby in my arms asking for a handout. So I got a job, took three busses every day to get there, and stuck to it until I got a better chance. This many years later, look where I am!

I am doing my part. Everybody has to do their part. I know that once they graduate, they will do their part, too.

Andra Rashad Gray

My name is Andra Rashad Grey – aka – Dray Day. I was born in the U.S. and raised in Bermuda, California, and New York. I made lots of bad decisions the fast life, the street life. After 12 months of incarceration my mind was rejuvenated – not for the better but for the worse and here is when decision making can either make you change or break you. Later, with the faith of Jehovah God I am still here.

I am presently working as an Apprentice at the Greyston Bakery and one day at an employee meeting Miss Katherine Dukes came in with an offer, or better yet, with an opportunity I couldn’t refuse: a Weatherization Technician / Green Construction training course. I was a little skeptical about pursuing the training due to my past (which for me, still feels present), but with the spirit of Jehovah, the Bakery, and myself, I made it my business to be hungry. After being out of school for a decade the entrance test was a real challenge. Miss Dukes called to tell me that although I did well on the test, the 15 people who scored highest would get in and I scored 16^th. My heart was shattered but with the discipline and understanding I stayed humble and told her thank you and that I appreciated the chance because in my head I understood that only means I have to work harder and my journey of doing right had just begun. The very next day I had a message on my phone saying that I was accepted to the program!

My experience is an opportunity and chance that many of us don’t get to better ourselves in our communities – more positiveness, more jobs. So for those who want to make a change in their lives, but don’t know how, follow my footsteps.