CDM contracts with an organization based in Chicago called OAI, Inc., which is funded through the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences and the Environmental Protection Agency. Over a three year period, focusing on the construction industry and in partnership with the Dallas County Community College District, we've designed a 12 week job training program in construction and environmental remediation. Trainees receive community college certification, and interviews with major local construction companies after graduation.

Clay is a 27-year college dropout, who went through the last graduating class of 18 (22 were actually selected to go through the training). Clay had sold a small business he operated and was in dire financial and personal straits, due to some poor life choices. Clay has a wife and three children.

After successfully completing the program, Clay got a job with one of the major construction companies which interviewed him after graduation. Clay started as a carpenter and after about six weeks was promoted to field engineer.

Not long after that, another company that had interviewed Clay offered him a job as Project Engineer. Clay makes now makes $50,000 a year, has solid benefits and is on a great career track. He even has a monthly car allowance.

Needless to say, we're proud of Clay! We're proud of all of our graduates. We're proud of WorkPaths and of Andrea Bills the Program Director and Lenora Coleman our Workforce Development Coordinator, who run the day to day operations.

Here's the thing: Clay can expect to pay more taxes. Of course! He makes more money! He has worked hard, received a great break! He's been blessed! He's committed himself and is in a great position to do great things for himself, his family and his community. His government has invested in him - to the tune of about $3500 for training (along some generous help from donors who support our organization and this program). But Clay will repay the public and private investment through taxes. Is that fair? Is that right?

I think so!

What makes Joe the Plumber any different?