At Sachse Construction, supporting workforce development initiatives and empowering Detroit’s youth are at the core of our mission. Throughout 2024, the Sachse Social Mission (SSM) Committee proudly gave back to the community through volunteer efforts and fundraising events to provide manpower, in-kind, and financial support to numerous local nonprofits focused on youth and workforce development.

Here’s a look back at the impactful work we accomplished in 2024.

January: A Fresh Start with Humble Design

We kicked off the year by partnering with Humble Design, an organization dedicated to helping families transition out of homelessness. Fifteen Sachse team members volunteered their time to furnish a home for a family of five, offering them a fresh start and a welcoming space to grow.

February: Building Career Pathways and Community Support

In February, our committee worked with Southwest Solutions’ MiSide program to introduce local students to career pathways in construction. By sharing our experiences and insights, we encouraged young people to pursue careers in the skilled trades.

Additionally, the committee hosted a successful Euchre Tournament that raised over $1,200 for The Konnection, a local youth organization focusing on eradicating absenteeism. It was a fun event that not only brought our team, family, and friends together socially but also helped raise both funds and awareness for a great cause.

March: Launching the Skilled Trades Career Center

In March, we celebrated a major milestone with the grand opening of the Sachse Construction Skilled Trades Career Center in partnership with Junior Achievement of Southeastern Michigan. The new center provides students across southeast Michigan with a hands-on experience in the skilled trades using interactive virtual reality (VR) and training simulations. This innovative approach allows students to explore skilled trades career opportunities in a dynamic and engaging way.

April: Giving Back and Building Futures

April was a busy month of community involvement. Sachse volunteers helped build bikes for local youth as part of The Konnection’s community-building efforts. The event provided students with a new mode of transportation while fostering a sense of pride and ownership.

The team also hosted the annual Sachse Construction Academy, a one-day event where 70 local high school students have an opportunity to explore various skilled trades at an active construction job site. The event allowed students to work with tools and learn directly from industry professionals, offering them a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to bring construction projects to life.

May: Inspiring the Next Generation

In May, our committee participated in Detroit’s “Math in the D” event at Martin Luther King Jr. High School, helping students understand the real-world applications of math in construction and other industries.

The committee also supported Atlantic Impact’s Build Detroit: Skilled Trades Challenge at Eastern Market, where over 100 students from 10 Detroit high schools competed in construction-related challenges, gaining valuable exposure to the skilled trades.

June: Empowering Young Women and Strengthening Communities

In June, SSM committee members partnered with Atlantic Impact and the Girl Scouts of Southeastern Michigan to host three “Lunch & Learn” events, encouraging young women to explore careers in the skilled trades. Volunteers shared their personal stories and insights into the many opportunities available in construction.

The committee also participated in a neighborhood cleanup with Southwest Solutions, beautifying local communities and fostering a sense of pride. Additionally, the committee supported Barkside Detroit in hosting a community event for local animal shelters and organized a supply drive for Humble Design, collecting over $750 worth of in-kind goods to help furnish homes for families in need.

July: Celebrating Achievements and Raising Funds

In July, the team had the honor of supporting the YMCA Young Achievers Dinner, which recognizes outstanding students from Detroit and surrounding areas. We celebrated these young people’s achievements and contributions to the community.

The committee also hosted its annual Cornhole Tournament Fundraiser, raising over $1,600 for Atlantic Impact. It was a fun and impactful event that brought our team and their families together while supporting a great cause.

August: Supporting Local Students and Mentorship

In August, we teamed up with Big Brothers & Big Sisters to create a construction exposure event, offering career guidance to young people interested in the construction industry. The committee also supported Boys to Men with a $1,500 donation to their Backpack Drive, ensuring students had the supplies they needed to succeed in school.

Sachse volunteers also supported The Konnection’s Back-to-School Klap-In at Durfee Elementary-Middle School, where we cheered, danced, and celebrated students as they entered school for the new year.

September: Scholarships for Future Builders

In September, the SSM Committee awarded three $1,000 scholarships to deserving students attending the Southeastern Michigan Construction Academy (SEMCA). These scholarships are helping to pave the way for a successful career in the skilled trades.

October: Creating Safe Spaces for Kids on Halloween

In October, committee members participated in Operation Boo, a Trunk or Treat event hosted by the Detroit Police Department 8th Precinct. The event provided a safe and fun space for local children to celebrate Halloween while fostering positive interactions with law enforcement.

November & December: Giving Back During the Holiday Season

As the year came to a close, we spearheaded the second annual Hard Hats for Detroit charity art auction, featuring spectacular works by women artists Olivia Guterson, India Solomon, and Nicole Jarecz. The event raised $8,500, benefiting three nonprofit organizations that support women and girls: The Empowerment Plan, BasBlue, and Alternatives for Girls.

The holiday season also brought our Giving Tree initiative, where team members fulfilled gift requests for children in The Konnection community, ensuring they had a memorable holiday. Additionally, we participated in the Police Athletic League (PAL) Gala, raising funds for PAL’s youth programs.

Finally, Sachse team members supported The Konnection’s “Bless a Family” initiative, providing holiday gifts for families in need, spreading joy and support to the Detroit community.

Looking Ahead to 2025

Thanks to the hard work and dedication of the Social Mission Committee, Sachse Construction made a significant impact in the Detroit community throughout 2024. From volunteering at local events to raising funds for youth and workforce development initiatives in Detroit, our team embodies the spirit of giving back. We look forward to continuing our mission of building stronger, more vibrant communities in the years ahead.

Here’s to another year of making a difference!