Intermountain Health and Mount Saint Vincent host Kids in Construction event

Mount Saint Vincent Pediatric Behavioral Healthcare in Denver, CO supports children, adolescents, and families. One of the program’s key therapies is Day Treatment and Education. This therapy is for children ages 5 to 13 years who are struggling in a traditional school setting. A therapeutic milieu—structured, but flexible group environment that improves mental health—is the cornerstone. The goal is to move children toward emotional health so they can successfully reintegrate into their school settings.?

The Day Treatment and Education program recently held a Kids in Construction series with Intermountain's Peaks Region Design and Construction Department with Construction project manager, Dianne Dewitt. The event's purpose was to engage children by teaching them who and what is needed to build a house.?

The program originated from a Women in Leadership Project. The goal was to work with Mount Saint Vincent to create exposure for children to gain insight into the trades.??

“Design and construction are possible career paths and this event helped children learn something new, and most of all, have fun,” said Dianne.?

During the event, Dianne reviewed the types of workers needed to build a house, from the architects to the framers, plumbers and electricians. Dianne and Denise Valdez-Waldo, Design & Construction executive assistant, also showed them tools each worker would use at their respective project stages. ??

The children had a mini house of cardboard to enter and tools to hold like floorplans, a drill, 2x4s, a saw, a pipe, tape measures, a hammer, a hard hat and a construction vest. They took hands-on turns trying out the different tools. ??

“The kids were very interested, and some had questions and comments that were way beyond their years,” said Dianne. “I believe the physical cardboard house gave them a great visual for learning and play. Some could see a dream they may have someday, and if they chose an occupation where physical work was more suited to their interests or skills, an avenue was out there waiting, which is another little source of hope.”?

Dianne said the kids learned some hands-on life lessons that they may not be exposed to in schools today.??

“Everyone needs a house, and it takes a team to dream it and build it,” she said.?“This event was one of many events we had last year with the help of our Design and Construction partners. We coordinated other events throughout last year.?This year we anticipate the program to continue, with our first being March 4. Other events will be coordinated throughout the year.”