Colas USA Partners With iFoster

Morristown, NJ: Colas USA, a leader in road construction, materials, and innovation has announced a partnership with iFoster, a national nonprofit that provides transitional services to young people growing up in foster care to ensure they become successful, independent adults.

Sully-Miller Contracting Co., the Colas USA subsidiary that operates throughout Southern California, will pilot the program. On July 19, ten high-potential, formerly fostered young adults will participate in a one-week event to earn a Safety Certification through the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, as well as a CPR/First Aid certificate. Those interested in a career in the construction industry will then have the opportunity to be hired as full-time laborers or paving apprentices and receive mentorship support from a Colas USA leader.

It is truly our honor to have the opportunity to partner with an organization such as iFoster. The outcomes for youth that have ‘aged out’ of the foster care system are grim. With statistics such as 50% of the foster alum population being homeless within 2-4 years and a 47% unemployment, we knew we had to do something to help the upcoming generations.” said Victoria Taffet, Director of Corporate Social Responsibility at Colas USA.

This community engagement partnership provides Colas USA with the potential to expand and supply its labor pool with new, excited, young adults to all its companies, while supporting a population of the next generation that may have otherwise been overlooked. Although the pilot of this partnership will take place at Sully-Miller, the company looks forward to rolling out the program to all companies within the Colas USA Family.

At Colas USA we stand by the fact that our best assets are our people. What better way to utilize that asset in a way that can help train these young people who are aging out of the foster care system? Through mentorship, our teams have the ability to help this population of youth to gain the skills they need to stand on their own and be successful, while also helping them gain confidence and a sense of belonging. I’m so proud of our organization for teaming up with iFoster,” said John Harrington, President & CEO at Colas USA.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:

Victoria Taffet: 478-955-0834
Director, Corporate Social Responsibility
vtaffet@colasinc.com

Megan Muller: 862-505-6898
Communication Manager
mmuller@colasinc.com