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New funding expands foundation’s roster of funded partners to 52 organizations offering scalable training programs in dozens of states MOORESVILLE, N.C., Feb. 27, 2025 – The Lowe’s Foundation today announced nearly $9 million in Gable Grants to strengthen 15 nonprofits on the front lines of a growing skilled trades workforce movement. From Alaska to Mississippi, each organization is helping prepare new tradespeople as rising wages fuel more career opportunities. Over the past 12 months in construction alone, average hourly earnings have risen 4.4%, according to Associated Builders and Contractors. “We listen closely to contractors and know that many candidates don’t have the necessary skills to fill the wide range of open trades positions,” said Janice Dupré, Lowe's executive vice president of human resources and chair of the Lowe’s Foundation. “Through modern training methods, these nonprofits are unlocking the workforce’s potential while building an economy that rewards skills, not just titles or four year degrees.” Since 2023, the Lowe’s Foundation has awarded over $34 million in Gable Grants to help educate and advocate for the next generation of skilled tradespeople. The grants support training programs focusing on carpentry and construction, HVAC, electrical, plumbing and appliance repair. “We are grateful for the support of the Lowe’s Foundation and their Gable Grants that will help fund the training of the next generation of skilled trade professionals,” said Jim Tobin, CEO of the National Association of Home Builders. “All of these deserving grant recipients play a pivotal role in helping to strengthen the residential construction workforce, and we stand in support of their efforts.” The new Lowe’s Foundation Gable Grants support the following community-based nonprofits: Alaska Works (Anchorage, Alaska) will expand its free, hands-on construction training program in Anchorage, Fairbanks and the Mat-Su region. The expansion includes additional funds for carpentry, plumbing and electrical training to include building maintenance and additional support for participants. Hope Renovations (Carrboro, North Carolina) plans to double its number of skilled trades graduates by offering more cohorts at its Raleigh and Durham locations. Its pre-apprenticeship program empowers individuals to enter the construction industry while offering critical home repairs for adults aging in place. Latino Academy of Workforce Development (Madison, Wisconsin) will support various cohorts of students through a bilingual skilled trades program featuring industry-recognized safety certifications, blueprint reading, financial education and more. For over a decade, the nonprofit has worked closely with employers and regional workforce development boards to support over 10,000 individuals in south central Wisconsin. Moore Community House (Biloxi, Mississippi) will build on its construction program with an electrical 101 course, specific to residential construction. The nonprofit will also grow its pre-apprenticeship course through modules that introduce masonry, flooring, roof framing, HVAC and plumbing. Next Step of West Michigan (Grand Rapids, Michigan) will equip its new training facility to continue construction on dozens of tiny and small homes through a seven-week training program. The nonprofit offers on-the-job training and employment opportunities in construction, carpentry and wood product manufacturing. Nontraditional Employment for Women (New York) plans to recruit and train more than 300 individuals annually for building and construction trades careers. The grant will also support individualized employment plans, peer support and mentoring events as the nonprofit expands its size and operations. North Alabama Homebuilding Academy (Huntsville, Alabama) will reach hundreds of new aspiring skilled trades students across Alabama through new satellite programs and a 16-session course. The course culminates with a job fair featuring local employers who have immediate hiring needs and is supported by the Huntsville Madison County Builders Association, a chapter of the National Association of Home Builders. SER Metro-Detroit Jobs for Progress (Detroit) will expand ReBuild Detroit, a free eight-week apprenticeship readiness training program licensed by the state of Michigan. The program offers industry recognized credentials, including OSHA 30, and career pathways in the skilled trades through SER’s extensive network of employer partners. Trade Institute of Pittsburgh (Pittsburgh) will increase the capacity of its 10-week, tuition-free masonry and carpentry training program by 25% while exploring expansion beyond Pittsburgh. The grant will also support new instructors and case managers to help remove barriers to employment through holistic services like life coaching and therapy. Uncommon Construction (New Orleans) will enhance its alumni Career Pathways program, develop certification curriculum for adults and complete renovations to its new training facility. The organization offers on-the-job training to support safe and affordable housing in the area. Additionally, the Lowe’s Foundation has awarded a Gable Grant to Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) as a new national nonprofit partner. BGCA will use its grant to enhance skilled trades job readiness programs for young adults (ages 16-24) at three pilot club locations in Hobe Sound, Florida; Madison, Wisconsin; and Seattle. The foundation has also renewed partnerships with national nonprofits Goodwill Industries International, Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC), the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) and SkillsUSA. These partnerships will continue to support a variety of skilled trades training programs, including wraparound services and targeted workforce development in communities impacted by natural disasters. The next Gable Grant application cycle for community and technical colleges will run from March 1 to March 31. To learn more about eligibility guidelines and the pressing challenges facing the skilled trades, visit Lowes.com/Foundation. About The Lowe’s Foundation The Lowe’s Foundation, an independent 501(c)(3) organization founded by Lowe’s Companies, Inc. (NYSE: LOW), is helping develop a community of skilled tradespeople to build and revitalize our homes, neighborhoods and infrastructure for the future. From 2023 through 2028, the Lowe’s Foundation is investing $50 million to help prepare 50,000 people for skilled trades careers through grants to community and technical colleges, community-based nonprofit organizations and national nonprofit partners with a strong local presence. To learn more about the Lowe's Foundation, visit Lowes.com/Foundation and follow on Instagram, X, Facebook and LinkedIn.

HOBE SOUND — The gymnasium at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Hobe Sound was a bevy of activity on Dec. 18 as more than 100 “elves” wrapped toys to be given as holiday gifts for members of five clubs in Martin County. The wrapping party – which included a breakfast for all the volunteers – was the culmination of the Boys & Girls Club’s “Operation Merry & Bright,” which started more than a month ago with opportunities for residents to donate gifts. “Over the last month, we must have collected over 3,000 toys,” Meghan Shirey, director of marketing and external affairs at the Hobe Sound club. More than 40 businesses from Hobe Sound north to Jensen Beach had collection boxes where customers could drop off toys. Club workers then inventoried the assortment and divided them into age-appropriate categories. In addition, financial contributions were collected to enable the club to buy boxes of food -- fresh fruits and vegetables, healthy pantry items, prepared meals, and snacks – for families which can be used while the clubs were closed from Dec. 24 through 27, Shirey said. Once wrapped, the gifts were next taken to the clubs on Dec. 20 and 23 which service 11 elementary, middle and high schools in Martin County. The gifts would be distributed to youngsters to take home for unwrapping on Christmas Day. “We believe every child deserves to feel the warmth and wonder of the holiday season,” Keith Fletcher, CEO of Boys & Girls Club of Martin County, said in a press release. “Operation Merry & Bright is not just about gifts, it’s about fostering a sense of togetherness, hope, and belonging for our families. But this entire effort is truly a gift that keeps on giving, as our community partners and donors who volunteer tell us that nothing puts them in the holiday spirit quite like this event. “They love sharing in the uplifting atmosphere of the wrap party as they connect with neighbors, organize and prepare the presents and recreate some of that Santa’s Workshop magic in our club. The result is an unforgettable holiday season for the children and families we serve,” he said. Although Willie Autrey lives in Okeechobee, he came as a volunteer through AmeriCorps, a federal program for volunteerism in local communities. “This is my first year with (AmeriCorps),” Autrey said. “It’s euphoric. Gives us all a sense of enlightment.” By his own admission, he is not an expert package wrapper. “My family usually does all the wrapping,” he said. Jensen Beach resident Courtney Tompkins, while carefully wrapping one of six Darth Vader action figures, for boys ages 6 to 8, said she is “big into philanthropic causes and I love to give back. There are a lot of kids who need gifts this year.” Tompkins previously worked at a Boys & Girls Club in Starkville, Mississippi as a grant writer, she said. She now is a sourcing specialist on the supply team with Next Era Energy, which had a half-dozen of their employees come out for the morning party. She considers herself to be “top tier” when it comes to wrapping packages, she said. To read the full story, click here.

by Keith Burbank Treasure Coast Newspapers STUART — A sleek new building opened last month in East Stuart because of the need to help children there and in the surrounding area. The Boys & Girls Club of Martin County officially opened the greater Stuart club on Sept. 3, at 551 Southeast Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., after a look at the area's demographic data. "We look at the data, and our mission statement compels us to move in a direction of serving the kids who need us the most," said Keith "Fletch" Fletcher, president and CEO of the Boys & Girls Club of Martin County. Some details The 39,000-square-foot club features a 15,000-square-foot gym, performing arts studio, commercial kitchen and classrooms. Including furniture, equipment and other items, the building cost about $18.5 million and was paid for by donors. "I like that we have more space to do stuff," said 10-year-old Katelynn Landsman, a student at J.D. Parker Elementary School in Stuart. Shiny and cute is what 10-year-old Maria Leal, also a J.D. Parker Elementary School student, said about the new space. She also likes that she has more space to do things. Traditional plus a gym "It's built like sort of an ecosystem of inspiration," Fletcher said. The Stuart club is traditional in that it offers academic support, promotes good character and citizenship, healthy lifestyles and offers music, art, dance and sports, he said. And a gym with 270 bleacher seats. "I haven't been in Martin County as long as some, but I do know that the residents of East Stuart have long been promised an air-conditioned indoor gymnasium," Fletcher said. The gym is available for community use, he said. Programs for learning The club also features a registered apprenticeship program in home building and home building skills. Students can follow up and get certifications in carpentry; plumbing; electrical; welding; and heating, ventilating, and air conditioning. "The idea is that you're going to complete those certifications for free, and you're 22 years old, you have no debt, and you have a journeyman's license," Fletcher said. Also, "we have an entire lab dedicated to advanced manufacturing" that can train kids for jobs that pay $40 per hour, he added. "We've been smart about this," Fletcher said. The club also offers drone certifications, sewing and digital music production, but, he said, the core premise of the building is viewing high school graduation as a launchpad, rather than a destination. How it's helping youth "It's where we're going to help you take off and change the circumstances for your family's lineage, generationally," he said. "That's what we're aspiring to do." Children pay nothing year-round to be a part of it, he said. The Boys & Girls Club of Martin County is unable to do that in a shared space, Fletcher said, which has been the case in the past. How many are served "It is the largest club that we have to date," said Meghan Shirey, director of marketing and external affairs for the Boys & Girls Club of Martin County. "It has the capacity to serve on a daily basis up to 600 students. We typically serve around 300 at one time." Who it's serving "We're targeting two schools in the community, said Devonte Lawson, the director of the greater Stuart club. Those are J.D. Parker Elementary School, where about 200-plus kindergarten through fifth graders receive services, Lawson said. "And Stuart Middle School, which is directly behind us, adjacent to our building, and we serve about 50-60" students, he said. To read the whole article, please click here.

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Fletch’s Perspective

Fletch’s Perspective

Fletch’s Perspective