Since its inception in 1975, Ancon Construction has made an indelible mark in the communities it serves. With more than 1,400 building projects to date, chances are you work, worship, shop or at least drive by an Ancon project every day. But Ancon’s impact reaches beyond the physical spaces it creates. This design-build firm has a legacy of giving time, talent and financial support to the local charities and organizations that are building a stronger future for everyone.

“That idea of giving back to the community – and giving to the employees – was a big part of what our founder Andy Frech was about,” said Ancon President John Place.

Now Ancon’s employee-owners continue in that spirit of giving, directing charitable funds and serving on numerous boards, clubs, service organizations and the like, says Rhett Fisher, chief financial officer.

Ancon has supported Oaklawn for more than 25 years. Place has served on the Oaklawn Foundation Board for about eight years. In that time, he’s seen the organization grow; it now serves 30,000 clients in Elkhart and St. Joseph counties each year.

It’s a staggering number, said Fisher, impacting a significant portion of the community – people you might never interact with or people you interact with every day but don’t know they’re struggling with a mental health issue or addiction.

Place said it isn’t only the clients who are helped by Oaklawn’s services, but the entire community: “If you’re looking to make a big impact with the dollars you give, Oaklawn benefits everybody,” he said. “It gives kids a chance to be successful, it lowers the prison population, reduces hospitalizations and helps adults manage their illnesses so they can live fulfilling lives. It’s an investment.”