Small Agency Making a Big Impact

It is no secret that a career in the union trades is a viable pathway for people to earn livable wages and build a secure future. However, for some, life barriers can prevent success no matter the job. Whether it is lack of access to transportation, childcare, food, or in some cases housing, desired employment may not be possible.

Wellspring Second Chance is a nonprofit organization that works to connect underrepresented and underemployed Minnesotans with sustainable futures. With both youth and adult programs, Wellspring provides resources to break down barriers that may prevent someone from finding employment and the training necessary to find career success. “We walk alongside these community members and we don’t let their barriers prevent them from succeeding,” stated Deseria Galloway, founder and CEO of Wellspring Second Chance.

In 2024, Deseria was presented with an opportunity to offer an additional employment program around the construction of tiny houses. With a capacity to host 14 participants at a time, 18 years of age or older, she built the new program using Wellspring’s own established resources and partnering with allies like Sabathani Community Center and signatory contractor Tri-Construction, Inc.

“When you put partners together, you can make a bigger impact. It’s all about relationships and connecting the dots to impact both our community and economics in a big and positive way,” she said.

Tri-Construction introduced Deseria to North Central States Regional Council of Carpenters (NCSRCC) business representative, Aaron Hill (Local 322 – St. Paul, MN). She needed carpenter volunteers to help guide her cohort through the building process. Aaron reached out to Local 322’s Helping Hands program which helped him find two volunteers: Mark Severin and Paul Johnson (Local 322 – St. Paul, MN). In addition to finding skilled carpenter experts, Aaron also connected Deseria with NCSRCC business representative Doug Gjerstad (Local 322 – St. Paul, MN) who specializes in the United Brotherhood of Carpenters (UBC) Career Connections curriculum. “Some people learn from reading, some people learn from hearing, some people learn from seeing. We had all three of those components with this program,” recalled Deseria.

With Mark and Paul’s experience and a well-established curriculum, 11 participants graduated from the 15-week program in January 2025. During those 15 weeks, the cohort built two days a week for 5 hours. The other time was spent on OSHA training, financial literacy, forklift operation, entrepreneurship, and some participants were also earning their GEDs. “We are teaching skills that they can take anywhere and providing a line from training to jobs,” she stated.

Charles and Jessie were two participants who made their way through all three Career Connections project books with plans to join the Carpenter’s apprenticeship. When asked what he thought about the experience, Charles said, “There are things I didn’t think I would be able to do, that I did. My first time doing roofing, flooring and putting up walls. It was amazing and I really loved every bit of it. The Career Connections curriculum is really convenient and I liked the way it was set-up.”

Jessie hopes to make a career in the trades. “This was a very positive experience and I learned a lot,” she said. “I was able to find out what is what in carpentry. When I started, I didn’t know the difference between hammers or the purpose of a nail gun. I was excited to dive into the Career Connections program to learn how to build a playhouse, how to make a chair. I felt like, ‘yeah I can do this! I got this!’ I can’t wait to apply the knowledge and the skills.”

Deseria shares Jessie’s enthusiasm. “A program highlight for me was watching women stand up and do fantastic in this field. It’s the girls that come in big time. They are so interested, put their best foot forward, and are invested in making a living in the trades,” she boasted.

Wellspring Second Chance’s tiny house program not only offers training that opens up pathways to a career, the finished projects are donated to other organizations that are working to end homelessness. This cohort’s tiny house was donated to The Sanctuary of Minnesota outside of Mora, MN.

For more information about Wellspring Second Chance and its various programs, please visit: www.wellspringmn.org.