Road 2 Freedom Construction and Apprenticeship Program
Welcome to RTF
Road to Freedom Inc. (RTF) is a nonprofit organization specializing in residential demolition and construction. We offer hands-on construction training for at-risk and disadvantaged youth, providing 560 hours of work-based training experience at various worksites in Wayne County Detroit neighborhoods.
As a people-centered organization, we are deeply connected to the juvenile justice communities we serve. At RTF, we prioritize inclusivity and strive to inspire hope in at-risk youth. Our goals are to revitalize homes, provide youth prevention services, and promote education and self-sufficiency for young people aged 18 to 24 in underserved communities.
Our Mission & Vision
Mission Statement
The mission of the RTF Construction Work-Based Training for at-risk and disadvantaged youth involved in pretrial diversion and probation court-ordered is to improve academic performance, reduce behavioral issues, provide training in skilled trades, expand social opportunities, and promote positive self-sufficiency.
Vision Statement
Empowering at-risk and disadvantaged youth through hands-on construction training, we envision a future where every participant achieves academic success, develops critical life skills, and embraces self-sufficiency, leading to employment opportunities within communities.
Our Story
About RTF
Road to Freedom Inc. (RTF) was founded in 2001 and is a youth nonprofit real, hands-on construction training company with 24 years of experience and references. We engage in residential demolition and construction contract projects in major cities in Michigan, including the Genesee, Livingston, and Wayne County, Detroit areas.
RTF empowers individuals within the juvenile justice system and disadvantaged youth aged 18-24, including those involved in pretrial diversion and probation court order initiative programs. Through a comprehensive range of construction training initiatives, RTF provides these individuals with valuable skills that enhance their employability and enable them to contribute positively to their communities. The training focuses on hands-on learning experiences in various aspects of construction, including concrete work, layout, and wall framing; installing, operating, and repairing electrical work; cutting, joining, and forming pipe plumbing; and project management.
In addition to technical skills, RTF emphasizes the importance of effective communication in the construction workplace, teamwork, communication, leadership, and finance education, ensuring participants develop well-rounded competencies that will serve them in all areas of life. By engaging these young people in meaningful work that directly impacts their underserved communities, RTF promotes a sense of ownership and pride, ultimately helping to revitalize their neighborhoods and create a brighter future for all.
Our Training Programs
Road to Freedom has five residential demolition construction certificate work training programs:
Hands-on Foundation Demolition Training Objectives
By the end of the training, participants will be able to:
- Knowledge of safety protocols, PPE, and hazard recognition.
- Proficient with jackhammers, concrete saws, and excavators.
- Evaluate buildings for load-bearing walls and elements to preserve or remove.
- Skilled in sorting and disposing of waste, including hazardous materials.
- Remove specific elements while protecting surrounding structures.
- · Proficient in diamond and hydraulic techniques.
- Assess sites and develop efficient layouts.
- Familiar with hazardous materials and waste regulations.
- Effective collaboration and communication skills.
- Knowledge of evacuation procedures and basic first aid.
Hands-on Electrical Residential Training Objectives
By the end of the training, participants will be able to:
- Understand key electrical concepts: voltage, current, resistance, and circuits.
- Learn safe and effective use of electrician tools and essential maintenance.
- Gain hands-on experience wiring various home areas, including kitchens and bathrooms.
- Interpret and apply the National Electric Code (2008 and 2020).
- Emphasize safety procedures for electricians and homeowners.
- Identify and resolve common residential electrical issues. Create benefits from electrical training objectives.
Hands-On Plumbing Training Objectives
By the end of the training, participants will be able to:
- Understand the fundamentals of plumbing systems and their components.
- Identify and fix common plumbing issues.
- Install and maintain various plumbing fixtures.
- Perform basic techniques like soldering, pipe cutting, and threading.
- Follow safety protocols while working with plumbing systems.
Hands-On Construction Framing Training Objectives
By the end of the training, participants will be able to:
- Overview of types, measurements, and terminology.
- Training on CDX and OSB, focusing on properties and uses.
- Introduction to sixteen-penny nails and joist hanger screws.
- Importance of PPE, including ear protection and respirators.
- Overview of tools for measuring, marking, and sawing.
- Basic training on pneumatic tools and maintenance.
- Identify standard cutting tools like circular saws.
- Explanation of drills, drivers, and selecting fasteners.
- Essential tools for a tool belt.
- Key principles: planning, supportive structures, and ensuring proper alignment.
- Creating 16-inch on-center marks.
- Steps for leveling skids and installing joists.
- Methods for checking floor squareness.
- Measuring and marking for wall assembly.
- Techniques for tipping walls effectively.
- Ensuring walls are square and braced.
Hands-On Construction Health & Safety Training Objective
By the end of the training, participants will be able to:
- Training on critical safety practices and teamwork on construction sites.
- Instruction on identifying hazardous materials and safe handling, storage, and disposal.
- Training on recognizing asbestos and minimizing exposure risks.
- Overview of OSHA standards, focusing on compliance and incident reporting.
- Best practices for improving energy efficiency while ensuring safety.
- Emergency response instructions include chest compressions, rescue breaths, and AED use.
Gerald Paker
Founder & CEO
Gerald Parker is the founder and CEO of Road to Freedom Inc., a nonprofit organization specializing in residential demolition and construction. The company offers hands-on construction work-based training for at-risk and disadvantaged youth in Detroit, Michigan.
Since expanding Road to Freeman to Detroit in 2019, Parker has been committed to the communities by helping young people complete their GEDs and high school education. He also aims to assist them in finding career pathways, training, and employment opportunities that will contribute to revitalizing and generating revenue in underserved communities.
Founded 2001 in Flint, Michigan, Road to Freedom Inc. empowers individuals involved with the juvenile justice system and disadvantaged young people, especially those on pretrial diversion or probation. The organization provides comprehensive construction training programs that enable participants to play a vital role in shaping their communities. Since its inception, Road to Freedom has trained over 3,000 participants aged 18-24. It offers prevention services, including job training at local work sites, mentorship, tutoring, community support services, and educational resources to help individuals obtain their GEDs or high school diplomas.
Parker launched the construction training program out of a passion for helping young people and understanding their challenges. Growing up with parents who struggled with drug addiction and limited education, he dropped out of school and became a father at the age of 16. To survive, he initially fell in with the wrong crowd, which led to drug involvement and feelings of hopelessness. Parker enjoys building things and working with his hands. At that time, few employment opportunities or vocational training programs were available for young Black men like him.
Determined to change his path while living in Flint in 1983, Parker attended the Higher Education Vocational Training Center for two years, earning his GED and a Certificate in Vocational Construction Training. This led to a job at General Motors, where he worked until his retirement in 2006. During his time at General Motors and preparing for retirement, he reflected on his beginnings. He established the Road to Freedom construction training program in 2001 to help youth with similar backgrounds find their way to success. In July 2019, Parker began training youth in residential demolition and construction in Detroit. He believes young people in the D’ can and should actively shape their neighborhoods.
Michele Parker has served as Vice President of Road to Freedom Inc. (RTF) since July 2014. In her role, she oversees the agency’s overall business and training program operations. Since July 2019, she has driven performance measures, collaborated with the Board, built stakeholder relationships, and helped set the organization’s mission, vision, and strategic plans for the Detroit, Michigan, agency site.
Michele holds both a Master’s and a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering from Purdue University. While working as an electrical engineer at General Motors in Flint, Michigan, for 10 years, she also gained career experience at Daimler Chrysler, Harman/Becker Automotive Systems, and Toyota Manufacturing North America’s R&D facility. She retired in October 2024. Michele’s top priority at RTF is collaboration with Consumers and stakeholder satisfaction, as youths, their families, and community businesses rely on RTF to help them achieve their hopes and goals. With over 10 years of experience as Vice President, Michele is acutely aware of the challenges and discouragements many young people face in their primary and secondary education. Through RTF, she is committed to ensuring that youth construction work-based training, career pathways to job opportunities, supportive services, tutoring, and mentorship are efficient, effective, and accessible.
What Michele enjoys most about her position is witnessing young people excited to participate in authentic, hands-on construction training at actual worksites, rather than just sitting in a classroom imagining how the instructor’s lessons apply to the real world, also achieving their construction goals, general certificates, moving on to get jobs in construction and observing the transformation in the neighborhood housing they serve. On a lighter note, Michele is also an avid musician and performs with local bands.
Michele Parker
Vice President
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