Community Outreach

HBKers Matt Finley and Ian Abrams volunteered for Iowa Valley Habitat for Humanity on January 9. The two painted and finished the trim work in the basement of a home in Iowa City where a family will move in shortly. Matt says, “Knowing that were helping someone complete the remodel to help give someone a place to live was most the memorable part. I would recommend partnering up again, I really enjoy construction and building homes.”

Habitat for Humanity is a non-profit housing organization that brings people together to build, rehabilitate and maintain safe, decent and affordable homes. It also advocates for fair housing practices and self-reliance through shelter.

HBKer Jeremy Ungrund presented to two 5th Grade classes via Zoom on December 8th in the Museum of Science and Industry (MSI) Junior Science Cafes. He shared his personal story of being an engineer with the children to inspire the students to pursue careers in STEM.

HBK Engineer Tony D’Angelo presented at the Museum of Science and Industry (MSI) Junior Cafes on Thursday, December 3rd. Through the virtual events, professionals speak to grade school students to promote careers in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math.  

HBK was pleased to support the SOS Children's Villages Illinois Evening of Hope virtual event on November 17th, themed a night on the "Information Superhighway." The event called on online traffic to provide the support needed to help the nonprofit navigate through this most unprecedented time. Traditionally, the engineering and transportation industries have come together to make Evening of Hope the event of the season, the virtual event continued that tradition.

HBK Engineering's Eddie Vizcaino presented two virtual Museum of Science and Industry (MSI) Junior Science Cafes on November 10th. In the sessions to Chicago Public Schools 4th Grade classes, Eddie discussed what it means to be an engineer and various sorts of projects he works on day to day. The children asked questions ranging from what his day looks like, to what tools he uses, to whether he likes his job. Among other things, Eddie discussed the various types of engineering specialties, showed utility locating marking colors, and gave students a look at an existing intersection from both its surface pictures and a CAD drawing.

HBK Strive hosted its Quarterly Book Club Discussion on November 5th. The book, Such a Fun Age by Kiley Reid, offered a refreshing take on an age-old question: can we connect across barriers of race, gender, wealth and privilege? The novel looks at the relationship between 25-year old Emira, a black woman, and Alix, a white woman who employs her as a babysitter. The Strive Quarterly Book Club Discussions are an effort to inspire deeper discussions surrounding women, women in the workplace, and the power of great story telling. It is another way to engage in thoughtful discussion while also fostering relationships within the Strive member group and beyond. All are welcome.

HBK celebrated Halloween with a virtual H-Boo!-K Halloween Happy Hour on October 30th. Employees played spooky trivia and "Name That Tune" and prizes were awarded to game winners. Most attendees wore costumes which ranged from Marilyn Monroe to a taco to a unicorn.

HBK was pleased to support the Penedo Charitable Organization Annual Fundraiser on October 29th. The virtual event featured a special performance by American Idol Alum Haley Reinhart and her family Harry, Patty and Angela. An online auction and brief presentation on the organization's progress were also part of the event.

Penedo Charitable Organization educates at-risk girls to become women of knowledge, faith and service. Through tutoring, mentoring and counseling, the girls who enter the program grow into empowered women who have the tools to lead productive lives. DePaul University College of Education and Counseling Center, ComEd and SPC Educational Solutions are among valued partners.

HBK volunteers leant their artistic talents in a virtual activity for Humble Design on October 29th. Volunteers painted canvases for boys and girls to use to decorate their rooms in their new homes.

Humble Design serves individuals, families, and veterans emerging from homelessness by transforming empty houses into welcoming homes using donated furniture and household goods. Humble Design warehouses are curated by design teams that personalize homes based on clients’ needs and preferences. The organization provides a new start and assists the transformation of lives in Chicago, Cleveland, Detroit, San Diego, and Seattle.

Strive, our women's employee resource group, presented a virtual Brown Bag Lunch discussion on Avoiding Burnout in the Workplace on October 28th. The session defined burnout, what causes it and how to avoid it, giving suggestions of things employees can do on their own as well as company resources.