When Jasmine first connected with Boreal Development, she was homeless and surviving by creating and selling art from the back of her car. She had long been interested in carpentry but did not know how to turn that interest into a career. After seeing a news story about our apprenticeship readiness program, she reached out and took her first steps toward a new future. Jasmine joined the program last spring. Working alongside our staff, she set meaningful goals and created a

At 15, John left high school and began moving between friends’ couches, shelters, and his car. Although he found occasional part-time work, lasting stability remained out of reach. He had always dreamed of becoming a carpenter, but without a GED or diploma, he could not apply for a carpentry apprenticeship. Then, while visiting Life House, John spotted a flyer for Boreal Development’s apprenticeship readiness program and decided to take a chance and apply. Boreal Development

Last week, Boreal Development participants wrapped up the weatherization project at Vita Nova’s transitional housing facility. The work was supported by a Clean Energy Resource Teams grant, and you can read more about the project in an earlier post here. By the end of the second day of the project, participants had installed a new storm door, insulated rim joists, and finished caulking the windows. They also sealed exterior doors with new weather stripping, foam tape, and thr