At ARS Roofing & Gutters, we believe success means more than completing quality roofing projects, it’s about lifting up our community. That belief is the heartbeat of everything we do. Because when you invest in people, especially young people who need a hand up, the impact doesn’t just stop with them, it ripples outward.

Discover how our roofing services in Sonoma County and beyond help educate the next generation and our CEO’s personal investment in this community development.

From Roofing to Raising Futures

Our founder and CEO, Letitia Hanke, didn’t grow up dreaming about roofing. Like many, she was simply trying to find her way, navigating school, struggling financially, and eventually landing in the industry by chance. 

But what started as a survival job soon became a career fueled by purpose. And over time, Letitia transformed that purpose into a powerful vehicle for change: The LIME Foundation.

Named after her son (Emil spelled backwards, the foundation is home to one of the most impactful youth programs in Northern California: The NextGen Trades Academy. This initiative is changing lives, not with handouts, but with hands-on skills, real mentorship, and access to meaningful, high-paying careers.

The Problem We’re Solving

Young people today are facing major barriers:

  • Rising college debt
  • Uncertainty about career paths
  • Lack of access to mentors or opportunities
  • Homelessness and housing insecurity

Letitia experienced many of these challenges firsthand. That’s why she created a program to meet youth where they are, offering practical pathways in skilled trades, including roofing, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and more.

“That’s the most rewarding thing for me,” Letitia shared in a recent interview, “knowing that I’ve persevered through what I went through as a kid, and now I’m helping others as well [to] be able to get through a lot of adversities that they’re going through right now…”

A Real Story: From Homelessness to Hope

One of our most powerful success stories involves a young man who, when he joined our program, was living in a car with his mother and sister. With nowhere to go and no clear future, he enrolled in NextGen Trades Academy looking for a way out.

After completing the program, he secured a position at a local security company. Within a short time, he was promoted. But that wasn’t the end. Inspired by his journey, he chose to pay it forward by becoming a mentor himself. Today, he works with the Petaluma Unified School District, helping hundreds of other students navigate their career paths, just like someone once did for him.

That’s what we call the ripple effect.

How NextGen Works

The NextGen Trades Academy is not just another job-training program. It’s built around compassion, real-world experience, and the belief that every young person deserves a future they can be proud of.

Here’s how it works:

  • Hands-On Training: Students receive guided instruction in key trades: roofing, carpentry, solar installation, and more.
  • Life Skills Coaching: From resume building to financial literacy, we prepare students for adulthood, not just employment.
  • Mentorship: Every student is paired with seasoned professionals who walk with them every step of the way.
  • Job Placement: We partner with local businesses to help graduates land jobs immediately.

And best of all, it’s completely free for students.

Why Trades Education Matters (Especially Now)

There’s a nationwide shortage of skilled labor, particularly in roofing and construction. At the same time, millions of young people are graduating with mountains of student debt and no real job prospects.

Trades education offers:

  • High wages without debt
  • Job security in recession-resistant industries
  • Opportunities for entrepreneurship
  • A tangible sense of purpose

It’s time we stop seeing trades as a “fallback” and start recognizing them as a foundation for a strong future. At ARS Roofing, we’re not just building homes, we’re building careers and communities.

Letitia’s Vision for the Future

Letitia Hanke is a living example of what’s possible when mentorship and opportunity meet. As a Black woman and entrepreneur in a male-dominated industry, she faced discrimination, rejection, and isolation. But she turned those experiences into motivation and then into impact.

Today, she’s not just a CEO. She’s a mentor, speaker, nonprofit leader, and fierce advocate for youth empowerment. It’s not just about building roofs. It’s about building legacy.

Want to Be Part of the Ripple Effect?

We believe everyone can play a role in changing lives. Whether you’re a homeowner choosing ARS Roofing, a contractor looking to hire fresh talent, or someone who simply wants to give back, there’s a place for you in this story.

Here’s how you can help:

  • Choose ARS Roofing for your next project; your dollars support youth empowerment.
  • Donate to The LIME Foundation at org
  • Hire a NextGen graduate through your business or company.
  • Spread the word about trades education as a viable, exciting career path.

It Starts with One

If there’s one thing Letitia’s story teaches us, it’s this: change starts with a single person. One mentor. One opportunity. One “yes” when the world says “no.”

At ARS Roofing & Gutters, we’re proud to keep saying yes, to our youth, to our community, and to a future where no young person is left behind.

Because when you help build people up, everyone is stronger.

Ready to Make a Difference?

Whether you’re looking for expert roofing services Sonoma County or a way to give back to your community, you can be part of the ripple effect. When you hire ARS Roofing, you’re investing in the future of local youth through trades education and mentorship.

👉 Contact us online today to schedule your free roofing estimate or visit The LIME Foundation to learn more about how you can support.
 Let’s build something greater, together.

📞 Call us at (415)459-7200
📍 Serving Sonoma, Napa & Marin Counties
Lic #837618