Built from the
community up.

Founded in 2020 at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Deeply Ingrained began when Dave Haughs — an engineer and lifelong woodworker — wanted to do something meaningful for families in his community. Each week for eight weeks, he designed, built, and distributed a new free woodworking project, asking only for photos in return.

The projects spread quickly — beyond township borders, across city limits, and even across the Atlantic. What started as an act of community care grew into something larger: a recognition that the need for creative, hands-on opportunity doesn't end when a pandemic does.

Today, Deeply Ingrained is a comprehensive youth development initiative grounded in the Positive Youth Development (PYD) framework. Through woodworking and mentorship, we help young people build relationships, grow in character, and find purpose.

Dave has personally taught more than 2,500 Indianapolis youth, and each year our programs reach up to 1,500 individuals — with programming offered at no direct cost to participants, ensuring access for all families regardless of financial circumstance.