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Project CRAFT Helping the Local Community in Dallas

After settling into its new home in Dallas last September, the Home Builders Institute's (HBI) Project CRAFT (Community Restitution Apprenticeship-Focused Training) has already begun making a difference in the local community.

Project CRAFT, which offers construction trades training and job placement assistance to adjudicated youth, also has programs in Florida, New Jersey and Tennessee.

The project’s first major undertaking in Dallas was the construction of a 4,500-square-foot addition to the A.M.E. Church in South Dallas. Helping the church’s pastor find a non-profit construction partner, local builder Patrick Shannon of The Shannon Group LLC was referred to Project CRAFT by Habitat for Humanity.

Shannon was more than satisfied with the students and their work. “These are good kids and they are hard workers,” he said.

Sponsored by Countrywide Home Loans

An industry and community partner with Project CRAFT in Dallas,  the Home Builders Association of Greater Dallas is putting its members who are looking for workers in touch with qualified program graduates. The association also recently featured CRAFT’s first local project on its Web site.

“We are pleased to be a part of this program, because it is a win-win proposition,” said HBA Executive Vice President Bob Morris, BIAE. “Our industry wins with new talent and society wins with a program that provides new opportunities to young people.”

HBI was able to introduce Project CRAFT at the Dallas County Youth Village through a partnership with SER-Jobs for Progress, Work Source for Dallas County and the Dallas County Department of Juvenile Justice.

For more information on Project CRAFT, e-mail John Hattery at HBI or call him at 800-795-7955 x8916.
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