Hello, Josephine County!
I am glad to be running to be your next Commissioner, and covering our county is no small task. We have such great businesses, volunteer organizations, clubs, and County Departments that are all here to offer you a variety of things to do or support.
During my campaign trail, I had the opportunity to visit Youth 71Five Ministries of Grants Pass. Lisa Chehalis kindly gave me a personal tour of what they do. I learned about them at my weekly Chamber of Commerce greeter meetings. Witnessing their efforts firsthand was truly inspiring. They offer training in vocational trades such as welding, metal fabrication, auto shop, and woodworking, which have unfortunately been dropped from many public schools.
71Five VoTech is an Oregon BOLI certified, pre-apprenticeship, career exploration program providing students with a start toward a new life in a family-wage career. With hands-on, project-based learning, and vital life skills training, 71Five VoTech offers real-world experiences combined with personal support to advance students toward accomplishing their personal goals. It serves young people ages 16 – 24 regardless of race, creed, or gender. This is a free resource for our youth in our community, helping them get a hand up to a great career opportunity. Even if vocational trades are not your chosen path, the life skills gained from such programs are invaluable.
I took all the vocational trades in High School at Hidden Valley when they offered vocational classes, and those skills I acquired are still relevant today.
I want to extend my gratitude to Lisa and Aaron for the tour and their outstanding dedication to this organization, located right here in Josephine County next to Cartwrights Valley Meat Company in Grants Pass.
For more information, please visit https://www.71five.org/votech-grants-pass/.
Chris Barnett Candidate for County Commissioner
