By Isabela Gamez
Primavera Foundation
The Primavera Works program continues to build meaningful connections across Tucson while providing hands-on job training and professional experience for program participants. Recently, a Primavera Works crew completed a custom wall project for local residents Hyatt Simpson and Daryl Herman, showcasing the team’s craftsmanship, professionalism, and teamwork.
Simpson and Herman, Tucson residents since 2007, live on a one-acre property in the foothills near Mount Lemmon. As longtime supporters of The Primavera Foundation, they decided to hire Primavera Works after learning more about the program at a Primavera event.
“We’ve been donating to Primavera Foundation for quite a number of years,” Simpson said. “I picked them out as an organization that does so many different things. A long time ago, I got a card about Primavera Works and just hung on to that. I thought, ‘Let’s hire them to do this job.’”
After contacting Primavera, Primavera Works Job Coach Mike Ivan visited the property to scope out the project. Although the job was more complex than typical Primavera Works projects, Ivan felt confident the crew could handle it with the right preparation.
Over three days, the crew completed the wall, guided by Ivan’s hands-on supervision and instruction. Herman praised Ivan’s leadership and the crew’s professionalism throughout the process.
“I think the key to that is Mike,” Herman said. “He helped set the tasks for the four people that showed up with him, explained how everything works, and corrected things without my prompting. He knew what he was doing, and that was very helpful to us. We wound up with a professional job.”
Simpson also shared how much they enjoyed working with the Primavera Works team.
“It felt good to be able to engage the crew and Primavera. It was a fair price, and they did a very professional job,” Simpson said.
“I don’t use social media, but I will definitely be showing and telling our friends about Primavera Works,” Simpson said.
Stories like this highlight the heart of Primavera Works: providing meaningful job training while delivering high-quality services that strengthen community relationships and build trust. Each project helps participants develop skills, confidence, and real-world experience—while making a lasting difference for Tucson residents.