Building Dreams: WSFCS Career Center Partners with Habitat

For more than a decade, the Winston-Salem Forsyth County Schools Career Center Carpentry Program has partnered with Habitat for Humanity of Forsyth County, offering students the chance to gain hands-on experience while helping to build homes for families in need. Each school year, the students construct a full-scale home on campus that will later be moved to its permanent site, becoming a home for a deserving Habitat homebuyer.

D.J. DeYoung, Carpentry Instructor at the Career Center, emphasizes that this project is about more than just learning construction skills. "Our partnership with Habitat gives students the chance to learn technical skills, but also teaches them the importance of giving back," says DeYoung. “They’re able to look at the house and say, ‘I built that,’ and understand they’ve made a real difference.”

The carpentry program, which has been developing skilled tradespeople for over a decade, focuses on both craftsmanship and community service. “The impact on students is long-lasting,” says DeYoung. “They learn teamwork, perseverance, and the value of helping others, while contributing to something that will last for years.”

Once the students' work is finished on campus, it is moved to its permanent location, where Habitat volunteers and students finalize the construction. This partnership between the Career Center and Habitat has prepared students for their future careers while also helping to create stability, hope, and opportunity for local families—one home at a time.

Editor's Note: The Habitat home featured in this story was completed in the summer of 2024 and purchased by Jose, a recent graduate of the Habitat Homeowner-in-Progress Program. Read Jose’s inspiring journey below.

Building a New Beginning: Jose's Journey to a New Home and Brighter Future

Jose stands proudly on the porch of his new home, a dream come true at 44. Working at a knitting manufacturing company for the past two years provided stability, but owning a home seemed distant. His 17-year-old daughter, Liz, still in El Salvador, was his motivation. The thought of bringing her to the U.S. and providing a safe, independent space drove him to join Habitat for Humanity, a program he learned about through his cousin.

Living with relatives and renting rooms had always made him feel restricted. Simple joys like hosting church friends or celebrating milestones required permission, which felt limiting. Joining Habitat was a leap of faith, but the support and encouragement from the staff made him believe in his dream. "All the educational classes were beneficial to me, but the finance classes were a life-changing experience. I also worked in the repair program as a volunteer, and the learning I got from it was immense, as I was able to hone my skills and abilities in the field."

Now, with a home of his own, Jose saw a future filled with stability and peace. "The benefit for both me and my daughter is enormous. I have a legacy to leave for my daughter. I have a roof over my head where I can rest in peace."

No longer worrying about the uncertainties of renting, he could rest easy. The kindness of Habitat staff like Jacquie, Mike, Omar, and Paola was instrumental in his journey. As he imagined Liz walking through the front door, Jose felt immense gratitude and fulfillment. The journey had been challenging, but every moment was worth it for the bright future ahead.