Middletown High Alum Bringing New Opportunity

Supervisor Pyska introduced Letitia Hanke’s journey. Hanke grew up in Hidden Valley Lake and graduated from Middletown High School, where she played trumpet and honed her musical talents. She studied performing and recording arts at Sonoma State University while working as a receptionist at a roofing company. Rising to manager, she bought the assets of the roofing business when her boss retired, earned her contractor’s license and launched her own company, ARS Roofing and Gutters, in 2004. Today, she leads a 24-person team serving North Bay communities. She saw trades companies struggling to attract young talent, inspiring her to create the nonprofit LIME Foundation.

Hanke noted the LIME Foundation uplifts youth, seniors and underserved communities. She emphasized the need to educate and mentor more women, especially in the construction industry. She believes, with support, mentorship and access, every individual can build a brighter future.

Founded in 2015, the nonprofit LIME Foundation runs three core programs:

1. Access to health and wellness services.

2. Promoting music and the arts and vocational training in construction trades.

3. Empowering at-risk youth, foster youth, teens in and out of juvenile hall, and those with absentee parents, giving them skills that lead to lasting careers.

The NextGen Trades Academy is a three-week hybrid program offering exposure to up to 27 trades, including roofing, solar, electrical, plumbing and more. Initially launched with 16 students, the program adapted during COVID-19 while maintaining strong results. Students explore trades, meet employers and receive career guidance.

The program has successfully operated in Sonoma, Marin, Napa and Mendocino counties, fueling Hanke’s hope to expand the program to her home county. The program is free, funded through grants and partnerships, and serves youth ages 16-30 from low-to-moderate income families. Hanke collaborates with 23 nonprofits, 11 community organizations and two probation departments to reach participants.

The academy offers the following:

1. Stress management, substance awareness and coping strategies.

2. Job interview skills, presentation and professional etiquette.

3. Resume and cover letter development.

4. Financial literacy, including money management and steps for homeownership.

5. Entrepreneurship and business fundamentals.

6. Nutrition and overall health, taught by local instructors.

Graduates receive the following:

1. $550 gift card stipend.

2. Basic tools and uniforms.

3. OSHA 10-hour safety certification.

4. Job placement with starting wages of $20-25 per hour.

5. Support for affordable housing through nonprofit partnerships.

Several graduates have become licensed contractors and hire program participants, completing a full-circle success story.

Hanke emphasized, “I’m proud to bring the program home to Lake County. We’ll hold nine classes over the next three years: one class in 2025, three in 2026, three in 2027 and two in 2028. The first is slated to begin in October at Hance Community School in Lakeport, followed by a second class with [North Coast Opportunities (NCO)] in Clearlake. My hope is to return to Middletown High School in spring 2026. All tools, meals and supplies are to be purchased locally, to support Lake County’s economy. Students begin in pre-phase sessions, with the top 6-8 advancing to full training through NCO partnerships.”

Hanke’s work has earned widespread recognition, including a “Walmart Community Playmakers” honor (presented by the Golden State Warriors), guest appearances on Emmy-winning shows, and was named 2021 Sonoma County Woman of the Year by Congressman Mike Thompson.

Supervisor Pyska said, “I’m proud of my friend. Bringing this program home is a big moment. The need is great, and it makes me happy that you recognize and respond to it.”

District 2 Supervisor Bruno Sabatier added, “We need more programs, and Hanke’s initiative will help fill gaps.”

To view the presentation slide deck, click here.

To watch the Board presentation, click here.

To learn more about the LIME Foundation, click here.