Programs with a community-wide impact.
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.
Restoring place, restoring people.
At Four Mounds, we believe that through restoring place we can restore people. The HEART Partnership programs have been transforming lives and the community in Dubuque, Iowa through teaching construction skills to youth at risk of dropping out of high school for 30+ years. In 2019, HEART expanded to serve adults with barriers to employment.
From reentry to re-training an unemployed individual, HEART’s hands-on programming has helped over 500 non-traditional learners find their way.
Students and instructors completed over 44 full home renovations in Dubuque’s North End since 2016.
In 2022 we started completing home modifications for local seniors so they can age safely in place. Our student crews have modified more than 100 homes!
The completed work by students on home renovation projects directly impacts downtown community revitalization and economic vibrancy– with close to 3M invested in our most vulnerable neighborhoods!
HEART Building Dubuque—Construction & Cabinetry students on average enter the program with an annual income of $12,500. Upon completion, and employment in entry level positions, their average annual income increases to $40,000 per year. That is an increase of 220%!
Programming with Community Wide Reach
Building Futures
HEART Building Futures serves youth at risk of dropping out of high school. Students in the HEART Building Futures Program spend half a day at an authentic job site and the other half of their day in the classroom.
Building Dubuque
HEART Building Dubuque serves adults with barriers to employment. Students in Building Dubuque programs can choose from Construction, Cabinet Making, or our Transitional Employment Pathway.
Transitional Employment Pathway
Our Transitional Employment Pathway takes place on our 60-acre site and in the community. Students on the TEP are exposed to many skill building opportunities in a variety of areas including groundskeeping, construction, and woodworking. While students on the TEP are building a diverse skillset, they are also working on life and career goals as part of their work week.
Meet Eric
HEART Graduate
“I have gained a lot of confidence and independence in figuring things out on my own...I was able to move out of my group home and into my own apartment. I have goals for the future and a plan for how to reach them.”
Meet Makaila
HEART Building Dubuque Graduate
“I have been able to work and talk with people from all over the country. My landscaping and maintenance experience has taught me so many things about maintaining a home that I will use for the rest of my life.”
Meet Andrew
HEART Building Dubuque Graduate
“My favorite thing about my time at Four Mounds was learning to cook and serving a meal that I prepared to the staff, building a table for the kitchen at the Grey house, and I’m also thankful for the help to build my resume and finding a job”
Meet Arica
HEART Graduate
"Arica’s self-esteem, perseverance, and responsibility have shown remarkable growth during her time at Four Mounds."
— Lori Apel
Meet Koral
HEART Graduate
For me, the HEART program was the ultimate stepping stone. I came to Four Mounds to do community service, having burned all my bridges. I was soon after enrolled in their program. I left with renewed confidence and hope for a better future."
Build—A Planning Tool for Life and Career Success
How We Support HEART Students
Students on our Transitional Employment Pathway have time each work week to meet with our program social worker to work on addressing specific barriers and life and career planning. We designed a curriculum specific to the needs and stories of the individuals we serve.
How HEART Students Map Their Future
Every student progresses through a curriculum customized to their unique needs. With the guidance of our dedicated social worker, they create an Individual Growth Plan (IGP) to map out their future.
Future planning is an essential component in our holistic model and part of the paid work week. Our curriculum is tailored to meet the individual needs of all students and they only work through areas identified as needs during their intake process.
Build Curriculum Key Focus Areas
- Employment and Career Planning
- Responsibility
- Financial Literacy
- Building a Positive Network
- Civic Engagement
- Positive Coping Skills
- Developing a Growth Mindset
- Introduction to Emotional and Spiritual Maturity
HEART Partners
Make a difference at Four Mounds and beyond
Get in Touch
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HEART Building Dubuque
4900 Peru Road
Dubuque, IA 52001
HEART Building Futures
2300 Chaney Road
Dubuque, IA 52001