About Us
Who we are
A Mentor that Changed Everything
My name is Ricardo Harrell
When I was 20 years old, a seasoned tradesman named Eric saw potential in me that I didn't yet see in myself. Eric didn't just give me a job. He taught me responsibility, discipline, and how to plan for the future. Four years later, Eric told me, "You need to start your own business." That advice changed my life.
Today, after 25+ years and 300+ projects, my mission goes beyond construction. One Another Community exists to give every young person access to that same kind of mentor: someone who believes in them, invests in them, and helps them build a real career in the trades.
"We're all in this together..."
Relationships
Our nonprofit brings together business owners from high-demand fields to offer our students hand-on training and a chance to hear directly from them, what they are seeking in an employee. This collaborative partnership is always looking for businesses interested in building their workforce! Contact us if you are interested in joining this effort.
Accountability is different from responsibility
Accountability is forward-facing--what can I do differently to improve a situation for the future? Many young people have been stagnated in their learning process through a sense of responsibility, which is backward-facing--what did I do wrong and how will I ever make it right? Students learn one--on-one with their mentor instructor about the many important characteristics of balanced leadership through the positive lens of empowerment. The curriculum also offers everyone dedicated training on steps for running a business. There is a final examination, or project, each student must do to graduate.
Experience
Our work is set up to focus on each student as a whole person. Our program begins with leadership and team mentality development through a Clifton Strengths assessment and workshop focused on stepping into to "one-self" as a balanced leader in life. Our hands-on mentoring during training provides a way for youth to gain experience by watching a professional as a role model with life and business skills.
Our Training Season structures learning and practicing these skills in a 6 week session, Check it out for more details!
You belong.
We want to work with each of you as a special and unique person who has something to offer! You will see on our application that we offer a variety of mentoring and support options that focus first on who you truly are! Then, we can begin to discover what type of skill or trade best suits you! Join us.
