Lennar, Houston’s largest home builder, has begun construction on a new Montgomery County Habitat for Humanity home in Conroe that will in many ways, represent a true labor of love.
In addition to the family chosen to live in the home and the Lennar associates who will be building the home, an integral part of the construction process in Conroe’s Cedar Creek community will be volunteers from Lennar’s Life and Work Skills Program – a continuing education program in the Houston area for students with intellectual disabilities.
Cindy Hinson, Director of Community Affairs for Lennar said that Houston associates who also volunteer year-round for the program loved the idea of building this Habitat for Humanity Home. “This program has benefited so many people since its inception and the opportunity to work with some of our newest students as we build a home for a deserving family makes this project even more meaningful.”
Despite ongoing thunderstorms, a dedication ceremony which officially started the construction of the home was held on May 27 which was also National Life Skills Day – a day which brings awareness to and focuses on the importance of Life Skills Education.
Construction on the home at 1507 Cedar Knoll Court is scheduled to be completed for the family by mid-June. The 15-student class from the Lennar Life and Work Skills Program will work side by side with Lennar volunteers including a number of Lennar associates who participate as mentors and teachers in the program.
Since its inception, the Lennar Life and Work Skills program has worked with more than 160 students who have found success in a variety of different work environments. The program’s 11th year began in January with 15 new students and through October, will offer a curriculum that includes a focus on valuable skills students will use at home and in the work place. Some of the many courses offered are budgeting, first aid, computer technology, riding the bus, dressing for success, resume preparation and interview skills, communication skills, office services, and social media skills.
In addition to offering classes and instruction on valuable life skills, the most important aspect of the program is what students take with them – self-confidence, independence and a realization that the future holds promising opportunities.
The program is free and funded currently in 2015 by a grant from the Lennar Foundation. This year’s Habitat for Humanity Project is part of the Lennar’s ongoing Focused Acts of Caring initiative.
Students interested in participating in the Lennar Life and Work Skills program must apply. Classes take place from January through October and are offered on Saturday once each month from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. For more information on the program, contact Amy Floyd with Lennar Corporation at amy.floyd@lennar.com.
