Making Connections with Youth Through Building Together
Legacy 2 Inspire | Ivan Sand Community School | Open Doors for Youth
As a Wright County based nonprofit, they bring their fully equipped mobile woodworking workshop to alternative schools in Buffalo, Monticello, St. Michael, Coon Rapids, and Elk River. Each week, youth work alongside consistent, positive adult mentors to build hands-on projects that develop skills, confidence, and meaningful relationships.
Legacy 2 Inspire connected with Beth, Community Engagement and Volunteer Coordinator at Open Doors for Youth in Elk River, to learn more about community needs within their space. During the conversation and walk-through of the building, a need was identified to replace existing shelving that was no longer working well for their environment.
This need became a hands-on community project within Legacy 2 Inspire’s weekly workshops at Ivan Sand Alternative School in Elk River. Over the course of six weeks, students worked together during one-hour class periods to build three vertical bookshelves that would later be donated to Open Doors for Youth.
Youth split into three small groups, each supported by a consistent volunteer mentor—a core part of Legacy 2 Inspire’s model that emphasizes trust, consistency, and relationship-building. Throughout the project, students engaged in the full building process, including cutting materials, drilling, sanding, assembling, and applying a protective finish.
Beyond technical skills, the project fostered teamwork, communication, and problem-solving. Students knew where the shelves would be donated and who would benefit from them, helping connect their work to a real community impact.
The completed bookshelves were delivered to Open Doors for Youth, providing functional storage for their space while giving youth the opportunity to see the results of their efforts. Projects like this allow students to experience the value of contributing to their community while building confidence and practical skills.
Projects like this highlight the heart of Legacy 2 Inspire—using tools and teamwork to build connection, foster confidence in youth, and serve local communities in meaningful ways.
When youth feel safe, supported, and valued, they begin to believe in themselves—and that belief carries forward into every part of their lives.
