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Ant Farm outlines youth programs and workforce initiatives as it expands services
Summary
Leadership of Ant Farm told the council about expanded tutoring, life‑skills curricula, a nearly $1M fuels‑reduction grant, workforce training partnerships with schools, peer support, and new community hub locations; council praised the organization’s outcomes and turnout at recent events.
Executive director Noopa and board leader Kim Wheeler briefed the council on Ant Farm's recent program growth and community outcomes.
The nonprofit described expanded youth offerings — tutoring, guitar and art classes, life‑skills curriculum, peer support groups and a retooled summer program — plus workforce development that includes a fuels‑reduction crew funded at nearly $1M and a construction crew class linked to local high schools. Leaders said the organization is building internships and partnered programs with Clackamas Community College and county workforce hubs.
Noopa stressed crisis‑intervention work that surfaces during routine programming and praised local law enforcement support for safety responses when needed. Council members thanked Ant Farm for its work, noting strong turnout at recent events and successful housing and employment placements for program participants.
Next steps: Ant Farm will continue expanding hubs in Molalla and neighboring towns, pursue grant funding, and coordinate with city events such as Celebrate Molalla.
