Built Around a Solid Corps

George Patino admits that he used to hang out with gangs and party too much.

“I got in trouble, but I wanted to get back on track,” Patino, 23, of Anaheim said.

Four years ago, Patino joined the Orange County Conservation Corps, which put him to work, taught him job skills and encouraged him to finish high school.

“Now I’m seeing college as an option,” said Patino, who’s considering becoming a highway patrol officer.

The Anaheim-based corps has given a second chance to young adults like Patino who have dropped out of school or had brushes with the law.

But now the corps itself is in trouble as it faces financial difficulties. Founded in 1993, the nonprofit organization relies on cities, other government agencies and the private sector to hire corps members.

They do jobs such as clearing brush and weeds, planting trees and cleaning storm drains, and occasionally take on higher-profile jobs: Corps workers recently painted San Clemente Pier.

Because work contracts have dried up, corps officials said, they face about a $400,000 budget shortfall.

Chairman Charles McCarthy said he will recommend to the board on June 18 to consider folding the program at the end of the month. “I cannot see how we can keep our head above water,” he said.

The corps has a $1-million annual budget and 50 participants, said Carol Cooley, executive director.

Half the money comes from grants, including $360,000 from the California Department of Conservation, and the rest from fees for service. Workers’ starting pay is minimum wage.

The only commitments are $100,000 from Metropolitan Water District of Southern California and $50,000 from Dana Point and San Clemente.

McCarthy said cities often mistakenly think that hiring corps members will cost them more than finding labor elsewhere. But by using the corps, he said, they can actually save because they do not have to pay insurance and other overhead costs.

McCarthy also said city officials might not be considering the social benefits.

“The corps is a viable option for these 18- to 24-year-olds. We don’t succeed in every case, but for the ones who do, it’s a tear-jerker to see them turn their lives around,” he said.

Corps members say the program has given them new direction.

“We see this as an opportunity to make something of ourselves,” said Carlos Escalera of Stanton, whose plans include college.

Patino said that for him and the others, the program has been a steppingstone: “Once you’ve hit rock-bottom and want to get back on your feet, this is a place that will get you there. . . . With this program, you get the young guys out of the street and into jobs.”

Information: (714) 779-5627.