Month: January 2021

BGC of the Redwoods’ Substance Abuse Brief Intervention Program

Headquartered in the west-central Humboldt County city of Fortuna, California, the heavy civil contractor Mercer Fraser Co. recently marked its 150th year in business. To give back to the community that supports it, Mercer Fraser Co. has a history of involvement with the Boys and Girls Club (BGC) of the Redwoods.

Serving children from 6 to 18 years of age, BGC of the Redwoods serves more than 1,500 members with services that focus on learning, playing, and developing both citizenship and leadership skills. To help teenagers with substance abuse issues, the organization has a comprehensive Substance Abuse Brief Intervention Program.

A psycho-educational tool designed to positively influence early stage drug and alcohol users who have mild to moderate habits, the program consists of two confidential, one-on-one sessions, as well as an optional third. These sessions support a dual concentration on problem awareness and helpful recommendations in terms of activities and lifestyle changes. Over the years, BGC of the Redwoods has conducted both face-to-face and virtual brief interventions.

How Using Local Construction Materials Benefits Communities

As a heavy civil contractor, Mercer Fraser Co has completed a variety of civil construction projects in Humboldt County, California, over the past 150 years. Mercer Fraser Co. believes in having a strong community presence and supporting projects that contribute to community development. One way it seeks to benefit communities is by locally sourcing its construction materials.

Obtaining construction materials from local sources can show that a company is committed to investing in its community. Purchasing materials locally supports nearby suppliers and manufacturers, which can help a community’s economy. Sourcing from these businesses can help them be more profitable and compensate their employees well, who will in turn likely invest in local businesses. These successful businesses are then more likely to contribute to the community through fundraising and sponsored activities.

In addition to economic benefits, localizing supplies may reduce shipping distance and storage times, which can reduce emissions and cut energy consumption. Decreasing pollution can benefit not only the local community, but also public health in general.