Assembly House 150 Stories
Frances, SACRA Graduate 2021
“This program is amazing. I’m not gushing when I say it has changed my life.” Frances originally moved to Buffalo to pursue Architecture and came to SACRA through a desire to begin a new career. About her experience, she said, “the program covers the breadth and depth of the field and gives people the opportunity to find out what interests them.” She goes on to say, “For women coming into this program, it builds confidence for you to find your way into the industry that you want to be in. To start a new career at my age is very empowering. My confidence in myself has grown significantly.”
At the end of the program, Frances secured two apprenticeships working with two local fine carpentry companies.
Ernst, SACRA Graduate 2020
Born in Haiti, Ernst moved to Buffalo in 2018 and learned about the SACRA program while meeting Assembly House 150 team member at a local job fair. Ernst enjoyed fiddling around with home repair projects while watching tutorial videos but wanted to know much more. “I owned tools, some of which I didn’t even know what to call them, but I had limited experience using them,” laughs Ernst. “This program was great. I learned a lot about tools, woodwork and construction. I now know what I’m doing, I like what I’m doing.” I like what I’m doing.” During the period of time that the program was paused because of the COVID-19 pandemic, Ernst purchased a used lathe and began using his newly acquired skills to turn wooden bowls and vessels in his backyard. He characterizes instructor Quincy Koczka as a good person and excellent teacher with a lot of patience. “I’ve learned a lot working with him and hope to learn much more.” Ernst hopes his future includes working on a large-scale construction project.
Tova, SACRA Graduate 2020
Tova recently returned to Buffalo after volunteering five months in Washington state with WWOOF (Worldwide Opportunities on Organic Farms) which provides opportunities to learn about organic food, agriculture, and sustainable living. “I volunteered at a point where life was a little weird, I questioned what I really wanted to do,” said Tova, a SUNY Buffalo State graduate in communications. She considered carpentry to earn a living to bridge the transition. “I’m now learning the trade surrounded by people who went to school for architecture,” said Tova who loves detail-oriented woodworking. Another highlight of the program was hearing stories from talented tradespeople who opened up about their early hardships and hiccups. “Some days I leave here so full of gratitude I almost want to cry because I see the love, care, time and effort put in not only helping me but every classmate to better their lives.” She says instructor Quincy Koczka is a patient, gentle, understanding teacher who supports the class by listening, at times to some difficult, personal situations. “When I first walked into the building it was a shocking atmosphere, like walking in a dream and it feels like that every day,” describes Tova. “It’s magical and surreal, you’re within someone else’s dream to work on your own.”
Malissa, SACRA Graduate 2020
Malissa humbly says her only prior experience in construction was, “maybe picking up a drill to hang a picture the wrong way,” she laughs. Comfortable, confident, and achievable are key words she used to depict her first day in the program. “One of SACRA’s greatest strengths is the time instructor Quincy Koczka takes to explain how things work. For the first four weeks, we went through every machine step by step,” remembers Malissa. “I gained a greater understanding of how things operate, and most importantly, safety.” The training has exceeded her expectations. “Over the 15-week period we had multiple guest instructors from many backgrounds. Building the dining room site has been cool, I enjoyed working on fine carpentry, I like attention to detail.” After graduating, Malissa begins a training position with Northwood Historic Restoration specializing in the custom replication of historic wood windows and millwork. In addition to this milestone, Malissa accomplished a second significant goal as a female role model to her nine-year-old son. “While his dad is a woodworker, I wanted to go to school to show my son a woman can achieve the same skills,” she proudly said. Malissa is anticipating saying to him, “Look at me run this machine, check out this bed or dresser I built for you and I don’t have to be a man to do it.”
Anthony, SACRA Graduate 2018
Anthony is no stranger to construction. He was introduced to the field at age 12 by his much admired Uncle Jack, owner of a home improvement business. “Apprenticing under him, I’ve been doing drywall, electrical, plumbing, heating, floors and doors for nearly 20 years,” said Anthony. “I started working with him as a ground guy, over the years advanced to roofing.” As a teenager, he also worked after hours in the maintenance of 35 West Side properties.
A graduate of Seneca Vocational High School, Anthony was at the top of his class when it came to electrical wiring. He also completed a semester of on framing systems, as well as other construction skills but wanted to learn so much more about the various techniques. At SACRA, Anthony particularly enjoys learning more about wood. “SACRA is refining my framing skills,” says Anthony, who pitches in whenever needed to help fellow SACRA classmates. “I’m learning detail and being introduced to new tools, such as joiners and planers.”