SHOOK CONSTRUCTION SELECTS KIDS IN NEW DIRECTIONS AS BENEFICIARY OF 2026 SOIN AWARD FOR COMMUNITY IMPACT

DAYTON, Ohio – As the 2026 recipient of the Soin Award for Community Impact, Shook Construction has selected Kids in New Directions (KIND) as the recipient of a $10,000 financial gift. The formal presentation took place June 3, 2026.

Established in 1987, KIND is a free inner city youth organization dedicated to improving the lives of young people by building a foundation in Christianity through education and life experiences that will encourage them to change the world for good.

“Shook chose to support Kids in New Directions because of the meaningful impact they’re making in the Dayton community. Their work in an area that greatly benefits from additional resources, combined with the way they engage and mentor inner-city youth, aligns closely with our commitment to building stronger communities. Just as important, their focus on preparing young people for the workforce directly connects to our industry and the future we’re helping to build. Shook teammates already serve alongside this organization, and we’re excited to continue expanding on that support.” – Dan Wolking, Vice President & Midwest Regional Manager, Shook Construction

“KIND has been incredibly fortunate to partner with Shook Construction, whose generous support through volunteer expertise and donations is helping us strengthen both our transportation fleet and long-term facility planning,” stated Keith Valiquette, President of the KIND Governing Board. He continued, “This investment allows KIND to continue serving and empowering East Dayton kids and their families to achieve their full potential through programs that support educational success, personal well-being, and spiritual growth.” 

With the generous support of Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce members, especially Soin LLC and the Rajesh K. Soin family, the Soin Award for Community Impact recognizes a private sector organization that has significantly transformed community development through impactful investments, visionary leadership, and a steadfast commitment to the region.

About Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce

The Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce brings together more than 2,200 businesses and organizations in a 14-county area surrounding Dayton, Ohio. The chamber strives to improve the region’s business climate and overall standard of living through public policy advocacy, economic development initiatives and providing networking and training opportunities for its members. Nationally awarded with “5-Star Accreditation” from the United States Chamber of Commerce.

Information about the Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce is available at daytonchamber.org or 937-226-1444.