In the very male dominated field of Ironworkers, Bricklayers and Cement Masons, otherwise referred to as the Trades, a guiding light to help justice impacted WOMEN succeed after prison, has taken shape.  Outside of Seattle, Washington, Business Agent, Heather Kurtenbach is leading the charge to see women who are nearing the end of their time behind the wall, participate in a program called TRAC, Trades Related Apprenticeship Coaching. TRAC is run by the Department of Corrections and the local trade unions and offers qualifying women a course in a trade, which then guarantees them a job upon their release.  Down the road a piece in Portland, Oregon, Anna Martin is also leading the charge to help women at the Coffee Creek Correctional Center find success upon release. With some entrepreneurial spirit and an Ironworker background, Anna pulled together her local trades in Cement Masons and Bricklayers to form U-PACT, also an apprentice-based program.  U-PACT is grant funded and not only offers the training and curriculum to the incarcerated women, but also the wrap-around services needed for equipment and clothing.  With such a shortage of employable people in the U.S., these programs are a shining star to help justice involved individuals start over.  

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