Although it seems recently that most of my days have been spent dismantling houses, moving materials, and meeting with collaborators to expand our scope and strengthen our mission, my primary intention when I first came to Buffalo in November 2005 was initiation of a leadership development and training program for young adults. When I started playing with the idea of deconstruction as a method for removing vacant and abandoned housing, in the back of my mind, I was thinking this could be an excellent vehicle to train young adults, create jobs in the neighborhood, and expand opportunities for neighborhood development. Even though that was my intention, that’s not how we started. I believed that before we could bring young adults onboard we first had to experiment with the hybrid-deconstruction technique ourselves. We needed to perform some training internally, try some different things, and practice, practice, practice.

Initiating a new effort is not for everyone. It’s difficult being engaged in the creative process of developing something that’s not been done before, where there isn’t a history or a culture, and where each day is filled with numerous unexpected challenges. It requires a lot of patience, because systems and procedures aren’t perfect and everyone is in learning mode. Then, add to the mix challenging weather and harsh working conditions and many people might shake their heads and walk away. It’s been a rocky road at times.

So, for me, what’s most extraordinary is that despite all the challenges, our initial staff members: Amanda Alessandra, Jon Markle, and Anthony Morrow, have risen to every challenge and have been active innovators in creating a solid field team. They’ve exhibited tremendous persistence and commitment to the effort of building reuse; they have demonstrated an amazing ability to juggle multiple tasks and responsibilities, while also driving each project towards completion. Now, six months into this experiment, we’ve worked together to deconstruct over 10 structures, salvage scores of other buildings that were slated for demolition, and began the development of the ReSource, our retail and education location.

Although our learning curve is steep, we discover something new every day that makes our work more efficient and safe. Now we’re focusing on the next chapter in our organizational growth. About a week ago, I returned to the office after a day in the field, with a smile from ear to ear. We had just finished the first day of work with our first three, young adult apprentices, from Catholic Charities. This is our pilot program to train young adults competitive job skills, provide supportive mentoring and complete tangible projects that improve inner-city neighborhoods. For me, this day was the manifestation of our true mission and the realization that we were now steaming forward with a plan to create more connections for young men and women currently out of school and out of work.

For Amanda, Jon, and Anthony, the first day of our mentoring program, marked a change in job responsibilities and higher expectations. Now, they would not only be innovators of deconstruction in the field, but also training and mentoring a new crew of folks. Again, Amanda, Jon, and Anthony have been so impressive. Though they all knew this day would come, I’m so grateful for the roles that they have taken; the patience, guidance, and leadership that they have exhibited; and the gracefulness and consistency that they bring each day to the job site. Through changing roles and situations, they continue to bring an up-beat attitude, determined spirit, and sense of humor. My absolute belief in their abilities and leadership gives me the flexibility to attend to the other business of the organization, while also having the confidence that the project will be completed with the highest quality results, in the safest possible manner.

Amanda has quickly become a master of fork lift operator and over the last few weeks has learned how to drive the standard shift pick-up truck. She has demonstrated a proficiency at operating equipment both safely and tactfully. I’m excited about Amanda’s future with us because she brings work experience focused on service. Prior to arriving in Buffalo she spent months with AmeriCorps cleaning up the devastation that was left in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. She’s a determined individual and a superb example for other young women that may show an interest in being involved in our effort.

Jon also brings a long commitment of service through his work with Richmond Habitat for Humanity. I remember when we were working on our second house in the Seneca Babcock community and Jon showed up on the worksite. I asked, “How did you get here?” He replied, “I walked.” And walk he did, from the Elmwood Village. Jon shows the same consistency, reliability, and commitment as a staff member as he did last May as a volunteer. Though he struggles in the morning hours, by 10am his sense of humor is ripping and his pace is flowing. Jon can most easily be described as a gentle giant. He towers at 6’ 7” tall (I think?), but is an approachable, kind, and easy going presence on the crew. His calm demeanor serves as a superb model for those with whom he works most closely.

Anthony brings a balanced perspective to the crew, not only is he a hard worker, he knows Buffalo. We’ve often called him GPS, because he knows his way around the City and he knows a lot of people here too. I guess when you spend over 25 years in one place, you really get to know your surroundings. But his knowledge of the streets of Buffalo is a tremendous asset for the young people that he leads. He has encountered many challenges, he’s learned a lot from them, and he can offer perspectives and advice that resonates with many of our young people.

These three staff members are the core field presence of our staff. They set the tone each day for our young people; they model effective teamwork, and they maintain high standards for safety. Their work continues to enable our youth training mission, while also setting the highest bar for project quality and completion.

Over the next 6 months, I’m sure we will try new things, I know we will continue to experiment with new techniques of taking buildings apart, and without a doubt there will be more challenges. Jon, Amanda, and Anthony make my days easier and I’m excited to expand on our mission and work with such an amazingly talented and committed group of folks! When you see them, give them a pat on the back (or a whole back rub), because their days are long and the demands of their work are high, yet they continue to forge ahead and each day they make it happen out there. I am so proud and grateful for each of them.