Springtime means a return to cutting grass, pruning bushes and trees, and prepping flower beds for Community Property Alternatives, CASA’s in-house landscaping team.  For this unique group of part-time employees, however, these seemingly work-a-day tasks represent a significant accomplishment:  successful employment.  CPA employees all have disabilities, primarily severe mental illness or developmental disabilities, which make finding employment in the mainstream workforce difficult.

CPA Supervisor Phil Brickle (left) trains crew member on proper use of the riding mower

CPA was created by CASA in 2004 to provide employment opportunities for tenants who needed special accommodations like shorter work hours, and understanding from their supervisor.  “They need a lot of love, patience and compassion,” says Phil Brickle, CPA Supervisor and leader of the program since its inception. “They have doctor’s appointments, they need to take medication.  Some employers wouldn’t have the resources to support the complicated conditions our staff are coming in with.  But for me, it’s been a joy.”

CPA was born out of work that Phil was already doing with people staying at Raleigh’s largest homeless shelter, the South Wilmington Street Center.  One CPA crew member, Darryl*, had been at the shelter for over a year when he joined the crew.  Soft-spoken but with an infectious smile, Darryl quickly became a dependable employee and a familiar presence in CASA’s office.  When CASA completed its Hope Crest community in 2008, the first community in North Carolina built specifically for persons who are chronically homeless, Darryl was able and ready to move right in.  The support he received and the confidence Darryl gained by working for CPA have helped him to achieve successful independent living.  Ron* was hired by CPA after he moved into his own CASA apartment.  Ron had been living in a group home for people with mental illness, but Ron’s dream was to have a place all his own, and to be less dependent on other people to meet his needs.  Ron’s transition to a one-bedroom CASA apartment in Knightdale was the first step towards achieving that dream.  CPA has been another step.  Ron has learned new skills, he’s part of a team that he trusts, and he is earning money and making decisions for himself.

Community Property Alternatives working on landscaping

Ron and Darryl are two of 24 men and women who have found meaningful employment with CPA since 2004.  The current crew of 8 members work 5 days a week, with shortened shifts of 3.5 hours each day.  Two-thirds of CPA revenues come from maintenance for CASA properties; several outside contracts supply the remaining third.  If you or your business would like to work with CPA, contact Phil Brickle for a free estimate.

*Names have been changed