CM Cares
, Colorado State University’s Department of Construction Management’s (CM) community service learning initiative, helped three more families in need this fall by making accessibility improvements to their homes.
CM Cares has completed over 30 projects throughout northern Colorado over the course of eleven years with the support of donors.
There was much to celebrate during the CM Cares presentations in December as the three projects that were completed this semester were originally selected for the spring 2020 semester but had to be on hold for over a year due the pandemic.
The Anjoli project
This included upgrading an existing bathroom with new finished, new accessible shower space, and a door opening widened to allow more space for care. This space was remodeled for Angoli Yanez, who was diagnosed with hydrocephaly as an infant.
The student project leaders were: Aiden Blackman, Taylor Crothers, Cody Krueger, and Brandee Morris.
“The CM Cares Anjoli project has been an awesome project where construction management students have been able to help make a family’s life better,” Krueger said. “We remodeled Anjoli’s bathroom so it would be easier and safer for her family and her to be in the bathroom. We were able to use skills and knowledge we have gained in our other classes to complete this project.”
The Brigden project
This project remodeled an existing bathroom by widening the bathroom door and made an accessible walk-in shower; it also included a small addition for a walk-in closet all for Brigden Frederick, who lives with cerebral palsy.
The student project leaders were: Peter Hodgkins, A.J. Buel, Marissa Kiefer, Oscar Flores, and Kaylyn Kilmer. Industry contributors: US Engineering, FCI, Alpine, Mint Holsiger Drywall, Encore Electric.
Learning from his experience, Hodgkins said, “We live in a world where ability is taken for granted every day. This experience has taught me to look at construction in a completely different way.”
“This project is an amazing opportunity that we were given to use our skills and knowledge to give back to our community,” Kiefer said. “It was a privilege to work with the family and our project team to assist Brigden with his independence and help an amazing family.”
Brigden’s mother, Debbie, added, “Giving the gift of independence to a child is the greatest gift that will last for a lifetime!”
The Elke project
This project involved reconfiguring an existing bathroom to turn into a powder room, remodeling an existing closet to be a walk-in shower space, and framing in a small nurse’s station. The student project leaders were: Joshua Houser, Eryn Dominguez, and Cayden Fish. Read more details about the Elke project here.
Dominguez said, “I was excited to learn some new construction skills and hands-on experience. What I never could’ve imagined was the connection I would make with the family.”
“We were so honored and so thankful for being chosen as a CM Cares project,” said Elke’s mom, Stephanie Kliewer. She then told the student leaders, “You will think of us every so often, but we will think of you every single day.”
CM Cares program recognition
CSU’s President, Joyce McConnell shared her impression of CM Cares as being a best expression of the university’s land grant mission by taking what is learned in the classroom out to the community, and making a profound impact on people’s lives.
CM Cares instructor, Nick Rubino, offered gratitude to those who make the program possible: industry that includes contractors, subcontractors and suppliers; the families; the students.
Kliewer acknowledged the hard work of the student project leaders. “They’re incredible,” she said. “They have worked so hard. They’re here until late at night. They’re here early in the morning. They’re here. They have given so much of themselves. I’m genuinely heartbroken that they’re leaving.”
For more information on CM Cares, visit its website or contact Khristy Jesse at khristy.jesse@colostate.edu.
The Department of Construction Management is part of CSU’s College of Health and Human Sciences.
