In partnership with the United Way, JE Dunn has volunteered over the past five years to renovate several child development centers throughout the greater Austin area, including Open Door Preschools, Generations Child Development Centers, Bright Beginnings Schoolhouse, Sweet Briar Child Development Center, and Angel’s Care Child Development Center.
In 2020, at the height of the pandemic, JE Dunn rolled up its sleeves and brought out the heavy equipment for a two-day volunteer project at the Sweet Briar Child Development Center in South Austin. Established in 1961, Sweet Briar has served as a cornerstone of early childhood education, prioritizing school readiness and multilingualism. With a Texas Rising Star Four-Star rating for over three decades, Sweet Briar ensures holistic child development through its dedicated bilingual staff and the Frog Street curriculum.
During their volunteer efforts, the JE Dunn team undertook various betterment tasks, including playground debris removal, fortifying structures against water damage, enhancing, renovating and creating walkways, improving accessibility, and drainage systems. These improvements directly benefited both the vital community institution, amplifying its impact on the surrounding area, and the experience and safety of children attending every day.
Discussing JE Dunn’s commitment to community service, Chris Szeliga, Senior Vice President at JE Dunn in Austin, said, “In these uncertain times, it’s crucial that organizations and individuals remain committed and diligent in the support of their local communities. JE Dunn is proud to serve the Austin community through our partnership with United Way.” The impact of these efforts was felt by Pat Smith, Director of Sweet Briar Child Development Center, who expressed gratitude for the improvements made to the school, especially the creation of safer walkways and playground access for children and parents alike.
Since 2007, JE Dunn has exemplified a steadfast commitment to community engagement and compassion through its long-standing partnership with United Way for Greater Austin. This collaboration, deeply rooted in the company’s South Central region encompassing offices in Austin, Dallas, and Houston, reflects the company’s dedication to making a positive difference in the lives of others.
JE Dunn’s journey in Texas began in the late 1990s with its expansion into Houston through the acquisition of C.E. Ward Constructors, Inc., later rebranded as JE Dunn South Central. This strategic move not only facilitated the company’s nationwide growth but also laid the groundwork for diverse skill sets.
In Houston alone, JE Dunn has constructed more than 30 million square feet of structures since 1995, completing a staggering 500 projects. Similarly, the Austin office, ranked No. 2 by the Austin Business Journal in 2024, has constructed more than $2.6 billion of work in Austin, showcasing the company’s unwavering commitment to building stronger, more resilient communities.
Central to JE Dunn’s partnership with United Way is its annual employee giving campaign, which has consistently inspired remarkable generosity among team members. Since 2020, employees have raised more than $75,000 combined with the company’s 10% match for United Way of Austin. However, JE Dunn’s commitment transcends monetary contributions. The spirit of service embedded within JE Dunn originates from founder, John Ernest (Ernie) Dunn, who championed a culture of philanthropy long before the company’s expansion. As his son, Bill Dunn Sr., once remarked, “There are many things that are more important than the almighty dollar, including helping those in need.”
Today, JE Dunn’s corporate philanthropy continues to leave a mark on communities nationwide, with investments totaling 10% of net income. Through initiatives like volunteerism and an Employee Match Program, the company empowers its employees to make a difference, impacting over 1,000 nonprofits and contributing over 50,000 volunteer hours annually. Each project serves as a reminder of the amazing impact achieved through unity and a shared sense of purpose.