Teenage apprentices from Pawtucket to build ‘little houses’ for veterans, recycling

The Center for Dynamic Learning helps at-risk youth build self-confidence, purpose, and passion through its student-centered, hands-on curriculum based on science, technology, engineering, the arts, math and manufacturing.

It’s an alternative approach to traditional classroom learning that helps keep children engaged, gives them experience, and prepares them for jobs in high-demand industries.

Children in Kindergarten to Grade 12 are served by the nonprofit organization that focuses on collaboration, critical thinking and career preparation. Fifteen different experiential learning programs are offered by the Dynamic Learning Center, and one initiative in particular is designed to have a profound impact on the lives of some special veterans in the community.

Pawtucket Teen Apprenticeship Program

High school students participating in the centre’s Teen Apprenticeship Program, based at Shea High School in Pawtucket, convert metal storage units into “little houses” for veterans making the transition to civilian life. Through recycling, design, construction and manufacturing, students in the teenage program hope to change lives, one small house at a time.

“The students wanted to raise awareness about homelessness as it relates to veterans,” said the centre’s executive director, Beth Cunha. Together with the centre’s senior engineer, Beth’s husband Kevin Cunha, they came up with the idea of ​​mini-homes for veterans. The students’ initiative was particularly dear to them because the Cunha form a military family. One of the couple’s sons served as an Army Ranger, and their other son is ending an eight-year career in the Navy.

Recycling of metal storage units into “small houses”

Despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, the first Tiny House is almost complete. “We teach beyond the classroom and they will go beyond the classroom,” is the motto of the program and this Teen Apprenticeship Program initiative certainly puts students’ skills in engineering, science, manufacturing into practice. and building construction. Measuring 8 feet by 40 feet, the first small house has windows, plumbing and electricity, as well as 300 square feet of comfort.

The project is being carried out with the support of the staff, faculty and principal of Shea High School. “Dr. Jackie Ash has been a strong champion of our work with his students and a true collaborator,” said Beth Cunha. “This summer, pending funding, we will be working with two cohorts of 30 students and these are expected to to be [completing] two 20 feet. The organization’s goal is for students to convert six containers by June 2023 and create a community of tiny houses intended only for use by veterans.

As a non-profit organization, the Center for Dynamic Learning relies on donations to realize its vision of a mini-home community. Cunha estimated that the cost for up to 60 youth to participate in the program during the school year is approximately $ 180,000, a figure that includes instruction, teaching materials, transportation, meals, university credits and building materials. The cost for 30 students to participate in the summer program is somewhat lower and is estimated to be approximately $ 125,000.

To date, funding from the Conboy Foundation, Cox Charities Northeast, Nordson Foundation, Verizon Foundation, Textron, Bank RI, Lowe’s, and the Pawtucket School District has made the program possible.

In addition to learning practical and professional skills, program participants are eligible for three college credits in technology and society from Roger Williams University. They will also be trained in CPR / AED / First Aid and receive OSHA certification.

Tiny Houses will go to Dare to Dream Ranch in Foster

During a chance meeting at a United Way networking event several years ago, Beth Cunha was introduced to Karen Dalton of Dare to Dream Ranch. The two recently reconnected and decided the Ranch would be a perfect organization to receive the mini-house donation. He has the space to place them on his property in Foster and the accommodation would complement existing programs offered by the association.

The rural campus provides a safe place for veterans struggling with emotional challenges, including post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, depression, military sexual trauma, and mild traumatic brain injury. Veterans participate in equine therapy, yoga, reflexology / massage, hypnotherapy, group therapy, exercise and nutrition classes.

Dalton said she was excited at the prospect of being able to provide accommodation for some participants at the ranch. She said she believed the tiny houses would be valuable resources for veterans and that living alongside rabbits, cows, chickens and beehives in a pastoral setting would facilitate the healing process as they re-acclimatized. to civilian life.

Foster’s zoning review committee will meet on May 12 to review the mini-house proposal. Navigating the authorization process and making adjustments to plans is now part of the educational process for participants in adolescent learning.

Beth Cunha hopes the proposed donation to the Dare to Dream Ranch ends with a happy ending. The students of the Dynamic Learning Center are personally invested in the project.

Several weeks ago, the teens got to show off their first tiny house to a potential tenant, and this personal connection has turned a “cool concept” into an exciting project the teens intend to bring to fruition. Meeting the veteran in person provided additional motivation to ensure that every finishing touch met exacting standards.

“Most of these kids have experienced significant challenges in their lives,” Cunha said, “and knowing that they have the opportunity to invest – and change – in someone else’s life has made an impact. significant.”

From being labeled as at-risk youth to becoming successful workers who can make a difference in the life of a veteran has been rewarding.

With a carefully crafted proposal to the Town of Foster, students at the Center for Dynamic Learning hope to deliver this first tiny home to the Dare to Dream Ranch soon. Luckily, the house will be ready for delivery just in time for the very first veteran tenant to celebrate Independence Day in their new home.

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Event calendar

All meetings are in person, unless otherwise specified. Please wear masks and respect social distancing.

May 5, Kent County Detachment of the Marine Corps League Monthly Meeting, 6:30 pm, ext. 9404, 29 S. Main St., Coventry.

◘May 5, evening immunization clinic at Providence VA Medical Center, 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., 830 Chalkstone Ave., Providence. Open to all veterans, spouses and caregivers. Bring DD214 and photo ID, if applicable.

◘May 8, the report from St. Charles Cemetery, 102 Farm St., Blackstone, Massachusetts, 9:00 a.m. Phil at (401) 651-4288.

◘May 12 (virtual) VA New England Veterans Women’s Forum, 6 p.m. Town hall format to learn about available programs and share views on the strengths and challenges of existing initiatives. Pre-registration is required to participate. Go to: https://veteransaffairs.webex.com/veteransaffairs/k2/j.php?MTID=t468202430619fa5fa8742264168eb8a