Four Mounds HEART Program Endowment

HEART Partnership is a hands-on learning experience for youth and adults to achieve their goals. HEART empowers all individuals to accomplish their objectives of graduation, career training, connections to post-secondary education, and/or workforce development.

HEART Building Futures is an authentic hands-on learning experience for high school students to achieve their goals of attaining a high school diploma, while transforming Dubuque’s most blighted neighborhood back into a livable, walkable community for working families. Students in HEART Building Futures spend part of their day in the classroom and part of their day on a home restoration site where they work with a 3 to 1 student/staff ratio, learn basics of construction, soft skills, critical thinking skills, and are connected to post high school education, training opportunities, or employment.

HEART Building Dubuque is building workforce development and economic vibrancy by replicating the successful HEART Youth model. Expanded programming serves adults with barriers to employment. Our construction and cabinetry pathways empower participants to take part in projects that revitalize and invest in our urban core through gut-rehabilitation and restoration projects. Our Transitional Employment Pathway provides training and guidance in career and life planning, while helping participants build a diverse and transferrable skillset in maintenance, groundskeeping, hospitality, and more, on the Four Mounds site.

HEART Partnership consists of organizations in the community:

• City of Dubuque
• Dubuque Community School District
• Four Mounds Foundation
• Northeast Iowa Community College
• Dupaco Community Credit Union
• Goodwill Industries
• Gronen
• HACAP
• Iowa Vocational Rehabilitation Services
• Iowa Works

Testimonials

"HEART has impacted my life... it got me into a career that I never thought I could achieve. It's a higher state of motivation for myself- I know I can do things now... and help myself achieve! - Garrett, an employed HEART Program Graduate

"Dupaco is an active partner in HEART because the program aligns with our mission. It helps improve the financial position and wellbeing of young people, while rebuilding community and empowering families in Dubuque's Washington Neighborhood. That's what we're about and why we support this work." -David Klavitter, Chief Marketing Officer, Dupaco Community Credit Union

"Dubuque's commitment aims to advance environmental, economic and social/cultural sustainability. Nowhere is this more evident than the City's partnership with the HEART program." -Richard Moe, Former President, National Trust for Historic Preservation

"One of the City Council's five-year goals is 'partnering for a better Dubuque' and I simply cannot think of a better example than the HEART partnership." -Roy Buol, Mayor, City of Dubuque