August 19, 2009 On Wednesday, July 29, Drees Homes served as the host for 23 girls at The Villages of Daybreak in Bond Hill participating in "Rosie's Girls," a 3 week educational program sponsored by the YWCA Greater Cincinnati and the local chapter of the National Association of Women in Construction. Rosie's Girls provides a unique summer program for 11- 13 year old girls designed to build self-esteem, physical confidence, interpersonal cooperation and leadership skills through learning and applying basic skills in carpentry, electrical wiring, welding, plumbing and other technical trades. Drees' staff of professionals shared their knowledge of the home building industry, while describing the typical day in a construction environment. The participants toured a home at frame stage and two of Drees' decorated models to gain insight with building a home from start to finish. Programs such as Rosie's Girls have shown a significant outcome in increasing general image, social acceptance and self worth scores. The most common verbatim comment on "most important thing learned" is "girls can do anything they want to do." Rosie's Girls was inspired by "Rosie the Riveter," a cultural icon of the United States, representing the American women who worked in war factories in traditionally male jobs during World War II to replace workers in the military. The organization was founded in Vermont in 2000 and has been replicated in California, South Carolina and Ohio (Cleveland). For more information contact Rhonda L. Lindon-Hammon, Director Youth Services rlindonhammon@ywcacin.org or 513-361-2186.