Four Mounds’ HEART is Growing!

Four Mounds is excited to share the news that the HEART Partnership and Program is growing to serve adults. We will build workforce development and economic vibrancy by replicating the successful youth HEART model. The expanded program will serve adults disconnected from the world of work.

With our dynamic partners, Four Mounds will intervene in the life trajectory of young adults at risk, giving them skills, choices, and guidance through home and community restoration projects, while they discover their potential and map out successful futures.

The project is investing in 12-20 individuals initially, with a targeted population of unemployed and underemployed individuals, adults in need of a high school diploma, and formerly incarcerated community members.

The program will empower participants to take part in or lead service-learning projects that revitalize and invest in our urban core through gut-rehabilitation and restoration training. We will work with our partners to remove barriers to success for each participant such as childcare, transportation, access to mental health, or other community resources. Participants will receive a paycheck, holistic support, education, and connections to employment opportunities.

The Model:

  • Authentic job site gives participants the opportunity to develop carpentry skills, work ethic, and learn to effectively collaborate with a construction team, instructors, and classmates
  • Participants are in class two days per week at Northeast Iowa Community College and spend two days on the job site for six to eight hours
  • Flexible Fridays will be used for either working on the job site or upskilling labs at NICC
  • Strong community partners will provide financial literacy education, wrap-around supports and more
  • Participants are considered employees of Four Mounds and will earn $12 per hour at the work site
  • Graduates of the program are entering a career field where their wages will be higher than basic carpentry because of specialized skills in restoration. Companies and contractors are seeking these specialized craftspeople to work on small and large projects across the community