Clinton Christian School

I guess you could say that the idea began taking shape over two decades ago in sunny California.  My very first full renovation project was at the age of 16 (1985).  My dad proposed a challenge to me when I asked him if I could make-over my high-school bedroom.  He said ‘You can do whatever you want as long as you pay for it and do all the work yourself’.  I couldn’t resist! He had no idea what he had gotten himself into. I went as far as getting two black kittens from an animal shelter because they matched the room (Yea, bad idea!)

During my teen years I had watched my dad do many projects around the house. I gained confidence working with power tools at a very young age and my dad was brave enough to let me use them [despite almost sawing off his own leg, right in front of us kids – no kidding!]. 

By the time I was a senior in High School I had become a very proficient ‘a mini handy-ma'am’.  I eventually came to the proverbial fork in the road, wondering “What next, God?”.  Just months away from graduating [Narbonne HS, 88'] with piles of college letters in front I was not sure which direction to take.  At the time, I loved all things medical [still do] and was planning for a career in medicine.  Yet, I equally enjoyed designing, drawing, building, Math, Science, and art. I weighed my options...considered pursuing a career in the design field. My Aunt, Carol Coffey, a Licensed Interior Designer told me 'with your math and science education, and inate building abilities, go for the gusto...and be an Architect’.  She immediately put me in touch with my now very dear friend and college mentor…Mr. James E. Silcott [Architect, HU Alumni] and the rest is history.

I graduated with a Bachelor of Architecture from Howard University, Washington DC.  Over the years I have had many opportunities to use my building abilities to serve friends and family as well as, opportunities to teach some of my building skills to students across Maryland.  More recently, several ladies have approached me requesting that I teach what I have learned over the years to adults...not just the students.  Hence, the official establishment of She-Builds: Empowering Women to Build and ReBuild. 

My name is Nicole Jordan and I am the Principal of the Enrichment Arts Program at Clinton Christian School.  You can reach me at nharper@clintonchristian.org or facade_design_studio@msn.com  regarding our dynamic Enrichment Program, our Fine Arts Competitions, and now She-Build.  I look forward to hearing from you. 

The goals of She-Builds: Empowering Women to Build and ReBuild

To provide a Christian network for ladies, to empower ladies to do some of their own simple contracting projects at home in order to save on labor costs, to encourage single moms to be empowered, to encourage the She-Builds Team to take what they have learned and then to reach back into the community to assist those in need [especially senior citizens and single moms], to instill confidence, and to act as positive mentors for young ladies.

She-Build Course Curriculum: Basic plumbing, basic electrical, hanging drywall, various floor installations, tiling and mosaic projects, painting, furniture upholstery, tool use and safety, project estimating, etc. 

After each classroom style lesson [held at various locations], the She-Build Team will complete a real project.  Project owners [home owners] are required to obtain all necessary building permits. 

Possible costs: The project owner will cover all costs for materials necessary to complete the task as well as to provide daily lunch for the She-Build Team.  We ask that the project owner make a donation to the CCS Enrichment Program.

We will be uploading photos of the completed projects periodically...so check back with us often. 

All She-Builds registered ladies must bring safety goggles and leather fitted work gloves, as well as to sign an 'Injury Waiver' form.  Other required tools will be announced per project.  The registered ladies will be working with real construction tools: miter saws, band saws, jigsaws, reciprocating saws, nail guns, drills, skill saws, etc.

Project 1 - Installing Laminate Flooring, Mirrored Tiles, and Mural Painting with a Plastic Bag: Lecture and Hands on Lab.  COMPLETED! 

          Dress Down Days #1 and #2 - Where exactly did the $$$ go?

Dear CCS Parents:

Great News! The She-Builds Project #1 has been completed.  The task was hard work for the She-Build: Lady Carpenters, but your children are worth it.

Thanks so much for your participation in our first dress down day.  Based on your support, we raised $1050.00!!!  In the modular, there is a new laminate floor, mirrored wall and painted mural in the classroom.  We can’t wait for you to stop by and see it…if you’re not able to come by physically, check out the transformation on the Enrichment page of the website!!!

Unfortunately, as with most construction projects, we underestimated our cost.  Materials for the room totaled $1969.72.  This week’s dress down day will recover the $900.00 difference.

Thanks so much for our new room and again, please stop by and see it anytime!

Sincerely,

Enrichment Team, Clinton Christian School

  Project 2 - Installing a Kitchen Sink: Date and Location TBD

If you have a home project and you'd like for the She-Build Team to possibly assist.  Fill out the Registration Form and someone will be in touch with you.            Form Under Construction