Life-Long Learning Program
To encourage life-long learning and growth, Habitat offers a number of optional programs to families after they move into their homes.

Will Preparation and Estate Planning
John Marshall Law School teaches this class and is assisting in setting up a partnership with the Lake County Bar members to prepare wills.

Computer Training
Through a program with One Economy and ATT most families receive a free computer.  Habitat provides 1:1 training in the homes of the families

Neighborhood Watch
The City of Waukegan’s Police Department works with Habitat families to educate families and to set up Neighborhood Watch Programs in their neighborhoods.  After training they continue meeting to address neighborhood safety and concerns.  

Community Emergency Response Training
The Waukegan Police and Fire Departments teach the CERT Program to our families who receive certificates upon completion.  Following training as first responders in emergencies the families are equipped to step into disasters and emergencies in their neighborhoods and in our community to provide assistance.

Citizens Police Academy
The Waukegan Police Department trains families in techniques to assist at public events, recognition of gang symbols, drug use and other community issues.  Participants receive a badge and a Citizens Police Academy polo shirt upon completion and assist the police in events throughout the year and as called.

Construction Training
While building their homes, families learn many construction skills.  They learn the names of tools and materials and they learn techniques.  Upon move-in they have many skills to do household repairs.  Families are welcome to return to our site to learn additional skills as we continue building homes.

Gardening Together
In our Gardening Together Program, families learn how to care for their yards with the help of our wonderful Gardening Mentors and the Chicago Botanic Garden staff.  Click here  to learn more

Additional Classes
We hope to add more classes as volunteers are available to assist in program development and delivery.  The following are a few ideas for classes we hope to offer. We welcome your support.  

Tax Issues  – income tax planning and preparation
Insurance Issues  – how to make sure all family needs are covered at various life stages
Financial Planning and Retirement  – steps to ensure a happy retirement with adequate financial resources
Interior Home Maintenance  – simple repairs, cleaning techniques, planning for major repairs inside the home
Exterior Home Maintenance  – simple, inexpensive ways to maintain the exterior of a home, driveway

We have seen so much growth in our families over these past few years as they participate in classes and receive certifications with Habitat.  They become stronger, smarter and their self-esteem blossoms right before our eyes.  Many return to school for their GED or for college studies.  Then, we find many of them give back to the community through volunteerism.  Increasingly their children also attend our programs with their parents, so a new generation is growing stronger at the same time.

We welcome your financial support and your time to ensure that our Habitat Families build the best life they can.  As you support our affiliate, please know that your time, your talent and your treasure not only builds homes, it also builds lives.