Block Kids                                                                                                                                                                          (Feb. 2008)

We conduct an Annual Block Kids Contest which is a regional and national contest that encourages youngsters to create or build whatever they desire with lego-type blocks, string, foil and other items. The Block Kids Contest is aimed at our industry's future workforce, our elementary school children in grades one through six. It creates an awareness of construction career opportunities while they are still in their most formative years. Those of us involved in the building business saw a need to communicate the positive aspects of an exciting future in construction with NAWIC accepting the challenge to bring this national contest to the Twin Cities.

Thank you to all this year's Block Kids participants.  The event was a great success!  We had an awesome turn out of 64 children ranging from 2nd grade to 4th grade. Which was an increase of 21 children from 2006. Sacred Heart Elementary School in Robbinsdale served as the new hose location and we will be hopefully be returning there next year. Each child had quite an imagination and created his or her own unique project within 60 minutes allowed.  They all seemed to enjoy the activity and the new location served as a great creative learning environment.

Hearts & Hammers - Twin Cities                                                                                                       (Oct. 2006)

Hearts & Hammers, is a non-profit, all volunteer organization, serves local communities by organizing volunteers to revitalize the homes of deserving homeowners so that they may continue living in a home of warmth, security and pride.  Hearts & Hammers assists homeowners who have limited access to home-improvement programs, specifically the elderly and those who are physically disabled.  The work at Mortenson/NAWIC 2006- sponsored home was at the 38th block of 12th Ave S. in 2006 consist of scraping, painting, some landscaping, and minor carpentry.

NAWIC has been active in Hearts and Hammers which is similar to Habitat for Humanity but involves repairs on existing homes instead of building a new home. NAWIC has also                                        been involved in Habitat for Humanity "Women Build" homes in the Twin Cities area.  Visit Hearts and Hammers website for more information there organization www.heartsandhammers.org

Want to Help or Be Involved?

For More information on our community event dates please see our chapters calendar of events.

To see how you could help or be involved please contact our chapter.

 

The Oaks                                                                                                                                                                                 (Oct. 2006)

The Oaks is located in Blaine, Minnesota operating under the auspices of Becklund Outreach, Inc. and ACAP (Anoka Community Action Program), both of which are not-for-profit organizations.  The house serves as a home for both quadriplegic and ventilator dependent persons.  The projects being worked on by NAWIC involve safety issues, preventive maintenance and enhancement of quality of life.  Most of these projects have been handled entirely by the members and resources of the Chapter.  The Chapter received Regional 1st Place and National 1st Place awards in a competition held throughout the country for its work at the Oaks.