Thursday, April 28, 2011

SRD 2011 Project Preview: Ryan, Swanson and Cleveland PLLC


WHAT: Volunteers will transform the home of Carol and her family in Seattle. Carol is a 77 year-old woman with young grandchildren living in her home.

PLANNED IMPROVEMENTS: carpet and hardwood repair, weatherization, grab bars in bathroom and more!

WHEN: On Spring Rebuilding Day 2011 – Saturday, April 30, 2011

WHERE: Seattle

WHY: To help Carol and her family live in warmth, safety and independence!

THANK YOU, Ryan, Swanson and Cleveland PLLC!

Interested in making a donation to this project or volunteering on April 30th?
CONTACT: Sarah Ihrie, sihrie@rtseattle.org or 206.682.1231.


Wednesday, April 27, 2011

SRD 2011 Project Preview: KPFF Consulting Engineers



WHAT: Volunteers will transform the home of Carol and her disabled son in Shoreline. Carol has trouble getting around due to a back injury.

PLANNED IMPROVEMENTS: plumbing updates, new kitchen range, and much more!

WHEN: On Spring Rebuilding Day 2011 – Saturday, April 30, 2011

WHERE: Shoreline

WHY: To help Carol and her family live in warmth, safety and independence!

THANK YOU, KPFF Consulting Engineers!

Interested in making a donation to this project or volunteering on April 30th?
CONTACT: Sarah Ihrie, sihrie@rtseattle.org or 206.682.1231.

Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Tuesday Sponsor Highlight: ASCE

ASCE has partnered with Rebuilding Together Seattle for eleven years, and has participated in Spring Rebuilding Day every spring.  This year is no different as the ASCE team gears up for Saturday!



Thank you for your continued partnership, ASCE!!

SRD 2011 Project Preview: PEMCO



WHAT: Volunteers will transform a Parkview Services house in Shoreline.  Parkview Services is a non-profit organization that supports affordable housing for people with developmental disabilities.

PLANNED IMPROVEMENTS: Replace the gutters and 72 feet of fence, install a shed in the yard, and much more!

WHEN: On Spring Rebuilding Day 2011 – Saturday, April 30, 2011

WHERE: Shoreline

WHY: To help the residents at the Parkview Services house live in warmth, safety and independence!

THANK YOU, PEMCO!

Interested in making a donation to this project or volunteering on April 30th?
CONTACT: Sarah Ihrie, sihrie@rtseattle.org or 206.682.1231.

Monday, April 25, 2011

Prep Work Galore

A few brave Gonzaga Alumni spent last Saturday at their project site, completing prep work for Spring Rebuilding Day, which is taking place THIS Saturday, April 30th!
BEFORE:


AFTER:



Great work, team!

SRD 2011 Project Preview: Wright Runstad & Company

 


WHAT: Volunteers from Wright Runstad & Company will transform the home of Barbara in Burien.   Barbara is an 81-years-old and lives with her daughter, Jill. 

PLANNED IMPROVEMENTS: Install new vinyl flooring, new doors, do plumbing repairs for leaky bath, indoor painting, and more!

WHEN: On Spring Rebuilding Day 2011 – Saturday, April 30, 2011

WHERE: Burien

WHY: To help Barbara and Jill live in warmth, safety and independence!

THANK YOU, Wright Runstad!

Interested in making a donation to this project or volunteering on April 30th?
CONTACT: Sarah Ihrie, sihrie@rtseattle.org or 206.682.1231.

Friday, April 22, 2011

RTS Energizer: Linda Harms, Safeway

Project Leaders Rick Jones and Erica Strathern have selected Linda Harms as our RTS Energizer for the 2011 Safeway Project!


"Linda was our go-to gal for all things painting and with so many different tasks to manage that day, Linda and her daughter Tiffany were huge helps in managing our painting efforts in Shannon and Gabe’s home," Erica said.  "Linda coordinated painting in the living room, kitchen, utility room and the two children’s bedrooms. She was an amazing help and streamlined the huge task of painting nearly the entire interior of this home!"

Great Job Linda!

To see more of what we accomplished at the Safeway project, check out our Facebook page for some great photos taken by volunteers, and Erin Schedler Photography 's Facebook page for even more great photos of the day!

SRD 2011 Project Preview: Intellectual Ventures and Perkins Coie



WHO: Intellectual Ventures and Perkins Coie

WHAT: Will transform the home of Alice in Beacon Hill. Alice is a 69-year-old veteran of the Army Reserves, Special Forces, whose limited mobility and other disabilities have kept her from making essential home repairs.

PLANNED IMPROVEMENTS: clutter removal, a new toilet, new flooring, insulation, plumbing, pest cleanup and more!

WHEN: On Spring Rebuilding Day 2011 – Saturday, April 30, 2011

WHERE: Beacon Hill, Seattle

WHY: To help Alice live in warmth, safety and independence!

THANK YOU, Intellectual Ventures and Perkins Coie!

Interested in making a donation to this project or volunteering on April 30th?
CONTACT: Sarah Ihrie, sihrie@rtseattle.org or 206.682.1231.

Thursday, April 21, 2011

SRD 2011 Project Preview: Gonzaga Seattle Alumni

WHO: Gonzaga Seattle Alumni

WHAT: Gonzaga alumni, in partnership with Atkinson Construction, will transform the home of Victoria, a 68-year-old veteran’s widow living in Columbia City, Seattle.

PLANNED IMPROVEMENTS: volunteers will be building a ramp, completing plumbing repairs, clutter removal, organization, new kitchen appliances and much more!

WHEN: On Spring Rebuilding Day 2011 – Saturday, April 30, 2011

WHERE: Columbia City, Seattle

WHY: To help Victoria live in warmth, safety and independence!

THANK YOU, Gonzaga Seattle Alumni!

Interested in making a donation to this project or volunteering on April 30th?
CONTACT: Sarah Ihrie, sihrie@rtseattle.org or 206.682.1231.

Wednesday, April 20, 2011

SRD 2011 Project Preview: Emmanuel Episcopal Church



WHAT: Will transform the home of Jessie in Capitol Hill, Seattle.  Jessie is a senior citizen with limited mobility and needs help with her home!

PLANNED IMPROVEMENTS: pressure wash walkways, repair stairs, bring deck railings to code, painting and much more!

WHEN: On Spring Rebuilding Day 2011 – Saturday, April 30, 2011

WHERE: Capitol Hill, Seattle

WHY: To help Jessie live in warmth, safety and independence!

THANK YOU, Emmanuel Episcopal Church!

Interested in making a donation to this project or volunteering on April 30th?
CONTACT: Sarah Ihrie, sihrie@rtseattle.org or 206.682.1231.

Tuesday, April 19, 2011

Tuesday Sponsor Highlight: Greenpoint Technologies

Greenpoint Technologies is back for another amazing Spring Rebuilding Day project! The team is helping Spencer, his grand daugther and great-grand daughter with essential home repairs including replacing the carpet, replacing the kitchen flooring, plumbing updates, and painting.



Thank You, Greenpoint Technologies!!

Monday, April 18, 2011

SRD 2011 Project Preview: The CWD Group, Inc.



WHO: The CWD Group, Inc.

WHAT: Will transform the home of Lisa and her family in Whitecenter. Lisa is currently taking care of her mother and 8 month old daughter in her home.

PLANNED IMPROVEMENTS: Plumbing, electrical, cleaning and organizing, cleaning the gutters, adding gravel to the driveway, yardwork,  and much more!

WHEN: On Spring Rebuilding Day 2011 – Saturday, April 30, 2011

WHERE: White Center, Seattle

WHY: To help Lisa and her family live in warmth, safety and independence!

THANK YOU, CWD Group!


Interested in making a donation to this project or volunteering on April 30th
CONTACT: Sarah Ihrie, sihrie@rtseattle.org or 206.682.1231

Friday, April 15, 2011

SRD 2011 Project Preview: Concierge Guild of Seattle


WHO: Concierge Guild of Seattle

WHAT: Will transform a Parkview Services house in Shoreline. Parkview Services is a non-profit organization that supports affordable housing for people with developmental disabilities.
PLANNED IMPROVEMENTS: Rebuilding the bathroom, plumbing, tree trimming, and much more!
WHEN: On Spring Rebuilding Day 2011 – Saturday, April 30, 2011
WHERE: Shoreline
WHY: To help the residents at the Parkview Services house live in warmth, safety and independence!
THANK YOU, Concierge Guild of Seattle!

Interested in making a donation to this project or volunteering on April 30th?
CONTACT: Sarah Ihrie, sihrie@rtseattle.org or 206.682.1231.

Thursday, April 14, 2011

SRD 2011 Project Preview: CoHo Team of Windermere with Copiers Northwest

WHO: CoHo Team of Windermere with Copiers Northwest
WHAT: Will transform the home of Michael in Seattle.
PLANNED IMPROVEMENTS: plumbing repairs, repair a fence, install a fan in the bathroom, repair deck stairs, and more!
WHEN: On Spring Rebuilding Day 2011 – Saturday, April 30, 2011
WHERE: Seattle
WHY: To help Michael live in warmth, safety and independence!
THANK YOU, CoHo Team of Windermere and Copiers Northwest!

Interested in making a donation to this project or volunteering on April 30th?
CONTACT: Sarah Ihrie, sihrie@rtseattle.org or 206.682.1231.

Tuesday, April 12, 2011

Tuesday Sponsor Highlight: Center for Spiritual Living


Last year's RTS Ambassador Award went to CSL for over 14 years of dedication to Rebuilding Together Seattle.  Back for another amazing project for Spring Rebuilding Day 2011, CSL will be making improvements to the Horace Mann School with close to 100 volunteers.

Monday, April 11, 2011

SRD 2011 Project Preview: Booz Allen Hamilton Inc.

WHO: Booz Allen Hamilton Inc.

WHAT: Will transform a Parkview Services house in Northgate. Parkview Services is a non-profit organization that supports affordable housing for people with developmental disabilities.

PLANNED IMPROVEMENTS: Install a ramp and furnace, power wash, paint, clean the roof, replace some windows, yard work, and much more!

WHEN: On Spring Rebuilding Day 2011 – Saturday, April 30, 2011

WHERE: Northgate

WHY: To help the residents at the Parkview Services house live in warmth, safety and independence!

THANK YOU, Booz Allen Hamilton Inc.!

Interested in making a donation to this project or volunteering on April 30th?
CONTACT: Sarah Ihrie, sihrie@rtseattle.org or 206.682.1231

Thank you, Youth Board Donors!


RTS sends a BIG thanks to the families and individuals who have donated to the Youth Board Spring Rebuilding Day 2011 Project! Together, Youth Board supporters have contributed over $3,000 through the Youth Board Appeal, along with raising $1,300 through the Coffee Sale!

Interested in supporting the Youth Board? Our goal is to raise at least $3,500 to cover the costs of our Spring project! You can donate online, or mail a check to Rebuilding Together Seattle at 811 Harrison St, Seattle, WA 98109.

YOUTH BOARD SPRING REBUILDING DAY 2011 DONORS

Mary and Tom Herche
Lake Union Travel
Dave and Ann Kocer
Brenda and Tom Heflin
Jim and Mary Ellen Weber
Cathleen Clampitt
Bruce and M.A. Sangeorzan
Thomas Wilkes and Kathleen Greer-Wilkes
Lynne Berry
Ray and Rosemary Siderius
Dan and Julie Coleman
Stephen and Wendy Sefcik
Ginny Scalzo
Tracy A. Lloyd
Robert L. Aigner
Pauline Bach
Mr. and Mrs. D. B. Ratti
Kary Doerfler
Robert and Martha Aigner
Glen A. Curda and Jeanne Marie Clavere
Chapin and Janet Day
Elaine Moody and Mike Taylor
Kristi and Brent Greene
Pat and Kathy Shultz
John and Suzanne Rettenmier
Janet and David Aigner
Kelly and Bob Crimmins
Kelly Crimmins
P.R. Morris
Layne Presho and Dan Dunne
Lee Ann Rasmus

Volunteer Opportunity with the CoHo Team!

Are you interested in volunteering before April 30th? On Thursday, April 21st, The CoHo Team of Windermere Agents are volunteering at Westside Baby, helping out at their storehouse. The CoHo Team is looking for more volunteers to help out!

In September 2010, RTS partnered with Pepsi to help construct some of Westside Baby's new facility!

If you are interested in volunteering, you can view the evite or contact Tara Wickham at 206-427-4886.

Message from Host

The CoHo Team of Windermere Agents is proud to have become involved with WestSide Baby as a helper and sponsor of their monthly 3rd Thursday work parties. We’ll be helping at their storehouse to sort items, shelve items, and do anything that can be of help. There will be drinks to sip, snacks to nibble, and work to be done helping the very worthy organization of WestSide Baby!


Please join me on Thursday, April 21, 2011; I would love to hang out with you and do something worthwhile while doing it! There is one catch…I will need you to let me know you are coming so we can make sure we have enough for you to eat, drink and do, while you are there. You can email me back or give me a call.


If you are not familiar with West Side Baby, check them out at http://www.westsidebaby.org/


This will be a fun, casual event and a perfect time to catch up! Hope you can make it!

Tara Wickham & The CoHo Team of Windermere Agents

Thursday, April 7, 2011

Meet the Interns: Sophie Proebsting and Evan Dix

Evan and Sophie joined the Rebuilding Together Seattle staff in mid February and they have been instrumental in planning for Spring Rebuilding Day 2011!  Stop by anytime and say "hi!" to our new interns!

Sophie Proebsting




 I graduated from the University of Washington last June, with majors in Women Studies and French. As an undergraduate, I was lucky enough to take two study abroad trips with UW. My most recent was a semester in Nantes, France. The first was less of an “abroad” trip, more “across country”. I travelled to Mississippi with a group of 15 UW students and an engineering professor to rebuild 3 homes that had been destroyed in Hurricane Katrina. We spent a month building houses with two Americorps groups during the day, and spent our nights in a 5 credit engineering based course. It was this trip that sparked my interest in housing and home repair!

 1. What interested you in the Internship opportunity at RTS?

During my job search, I was really focusing on finding a position with a non-profit. When I discovered the RTS opportunity, I had to jump on it because not only is it a non-profit, but the mission of RTS is something that I believe in and have been involved in before.

2. Why do you believe in RTS and/or our mission?

 I have come to realize what few resources there are for low-income homeowners to live in warmth, safety, and security, and it is so inspiring to see thousands of volunteers take their time to be a resource and to improve the homes and lives of people in their community.

3. What do you like most about working at RTS?

The best part about working at RTS so far has been talking to the homeowners. It’s a great to have a personal connection to the people we are helping or are hoping to help. Every homeowner I have spoken to has been so kind and have shared such compelling stories about their lives with me. I am really looking forward to the upcoming Spring Rebuilding day so I can meet some of our homeowners in person.

4. What are you looking forward to most during your Internship with RTS?

 Spring Rebuilding Day, of course! So much of our work in the office has been focused toward organizing for April 30th, so I can’t wait to see how it all comes together. I’m also looking forward to running around that day and doing some manual labor!

 5. Outside of RTS, what are your passions? What are your favorite pastimes for fun?

 Last year I started to get into running and hiking. Though both those activities have been more on the back-burner due to the weather, I plan to run a 5k on May 1st. It will be a busy weekend!

6. What would be your dream job?

My dream job will involve working in public service or social justice. I am hoping to get a master’s in public affairs in the next few years in order to continue a career in this area.




 Evan Dix



I attended Western Washington University and majored in Communication and minored in Political Science. I had a large focus on public speaking and even became an Instructional Assistant where I was responsible for teaching a group of students how to improve their public speaking ability. I not only improved my own public speaking skills but also my ability to teach and instruct others.


1. What interested you in the Internship opportunity at RTS?

The internship interested me because I am able to help people in need and support a great cause while at the same time gain valuable work experience. The more I learned about RTS, the more I knew it was the right place for me.


2. Why do you believe in RTS and/or our mission?


I believe in RTS and its mission because it is so great to help people feel warm, safe and proud of their home. In one day we can make positive differences that can last a lifetime for many families.

3. What do you like most about working at RTS?

What I like most is working together with great people in the office to collaborate on projects all in the effort to help those in need. I really enjoy my coworkers and supervisors and I love the RTS office dogs Lucy and Tonka!


4. What are you looking forward to most during your Internship with RTS?

I am looking forward to the Spring Rebuilding Day where I can see all of the hard work that everyone has done being put into action as well as take part in the actual rebuilding process and see the results!


5. Outside of RTS, what are your passions? What are your favorite pastimes for fun?

I enjoy skiing, biking and playing guitar. I like to get outside and have a good time, traveling is great too!

 
6. What would be your dream job?

My dream job would be to work in Public Relations or Marketing for a company because I enjoy public speaking, working with people, and working together as part of a team.

SRD 2011 Project Preview: WSGR


WHO: Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati Foundation, project sponsor

WHAT: Employees from the Seattle office of Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati will transform the home of Jeanne and Marie in Seattle. Jeanne is a blind woman living with her twin sister Marie in the home they grew up in with their family. Their parents have passed away along with a brother and they need help with their home.

PLANNED IMPROVEMENTS: new kitchen appliances, updated plumbing, new floors, new windows, clutter removal, hole in ceiling needs to be fixed and much more!

WHEN: On Spring Rebuilding Day 2011 – Saturday, April 30, 2011

WHERE: Seward Park/Columbia City, Seattle

WHY: To help Jeanne and Marie live in warmth, safety and independence!

THANK YOU, WSGR!

Interested in making a donation to this project or volunteering on April 30th?CONTACT: Sarah Ihrie, sihrie@rtseattle.org or 206.682.1231.

Board Member of the Month: Gayle Roberts


“Gayle has been an instrumental Board member for RTS since the first day she joined (November 2008),"  said Executive Director, Margie Thirlby.  "On Spring Rebuilding Day 2009, Gayle managed a major project with Panattoni Construction, and was able to acquire over $10,000 worth of material donations for the project with the support of over 50 volunteers.  Gayle has created fantastic connections for RTS through her professional networks, including in-kind donors, skilled volunteers, and more.  Gayle is currently assisting RTS with our lead inspection policies and procedures, and has provided a wealth of knowledge [on this topic] to our Staff.  Most importantly, Gayle has one of the most genuine passions for volunteering and supporting the RTS mission.  Her positive energy, can-do attitude, and contagious laugh has taken RTS to new levels in the past three years.”

1. How did you first get involved with RTS?

I started attending the UW in October 2003 in the Construction Management program. That first month I was invited by a group of students to participate in Fall Rebuilding Day. I loved seeing the results from a group of people working hard for a homeowner that couldn't get around very well. I was also very eager to get some hands-on experience. The next spring I managed my first project and I was hooked. I have now managed six projects.

2. What do you enjoy most about being a board member for RTS?

It is very rewarding to be able to envision a future for this great organization and then work to make it happen. I have seen this organization grow tremendously in the past few years. There is a such a need in the community and it is so gratifying to be able to make a real difference every month of the year and not just on rebuilding day.

3. What are your hopes for RTS in the years to come?

I would like to explore other ways to help low income homeowners maximize their benefit of home ownership, perhaps through education programs on energy efficiency and home maintenance. And of course, I want to see us continue to help as many homeowners and non-profit organizations as possible through rebuilding days and the year round program.

Wednesday, April 6, 2011

SRD 2011 Project Preview: ASCE

 
WHO: ASCE

WHAT: Will transform the home of Helen in Seattle.  Helen suffered a slight stroke and is unable to use the right side of her body and needs help with wheelchair accessibility and repairs to her home.

PLANNED IMPROVEMENTS: floor repair, plumbing issues, wheelchair ramp, accessibility issues, clean heating system and much more!

WHEN: On Spring Rebuilding Day 2011 – Saturday, April 30, 2011

WHERE: Seattle

WHY: To help Helen live warmth, safety and independence!

THANK YOU, ASCE!

Interested in making a donation to this project or volunteering on April 30th?
CONTACT: Sarah Ihrie, sihrie@rtseattle.org or 206.682.1231.

Safeway and Rebuilding Together Plan 10 Rebuilds Across the U.S. for Safeway's Support for People with Disabilities Campaign

WASHINGTON, DC - Rebuilding Together, the nation's leading nonprofit working to preserve affordable homeownership, and Safeway Inc. will rehabilitate homes and community centers in ten cities during the month of April. Safeway partnered with Rebuilding Together as part of Safeway's annual Disabilities Campaign, a fundraiser and awareness campaign that supports organizations that provide important services and outreach to people with disabilities.

Rebuilding Together is an expert in home modifications for people with disabilities. Modifications typically include wheelchair ramps, widened doorways for wheelchair access, grab bars, and new handrails.

This is the second year that Rebuilding Together has partnered with Safeway to make homes and community centers more accessible. Rebuilding Together affiliates receive funding from The Safeway Foundation for these projects and Safeway employees give hundreds of volunteer hours to complete the work. This year's projects are in Denver, CO; Chicago, IL; Silver Spring, MD; Sacramento, CA; Phoenix, AZ; Portland, OR; Seattle, WA; Dallas, TX; San Diego, CA; and Berkeley, CA.

"We've been incredibly pleased with the relationship that Rebuilding Together and Safeway have developed," said Gary A. Officer, President and CEO of Rebuilding Together. "This spring we will continue to synergize our efforts to assist persons with disabilities who face incredible hardship in our communities - an issue that is reflective of both our organizations' missions."

Larree Renda, Executive Vice President of Safeway Inc. and Chair of The Safeway Foundation praised Rebuilding Together's commitment to helping people with disabilities live more independent lives.

"We applaud Rebuilding Together's mission of giving people with disabilities full access and mobility inside and outside of their homes," said Larree Renda. "The organization is a perfect fit for Safeway and The Safeway Foundation because one of our core areas of our key pillars of giving is supporting people with disabilities."

To learn more about Rebuilding Together and its work, visit www.rebuildingtogether.org.

ABOUT REBUILDING TOGETHER Rebuilding Together is the nation's leading nonprofit organization working to preserve affordable homeownership and revitalize neighborhoods by providing extensive rehabilitation and modification services to those in need at no cost to those served. With the help of everyday citizen volunteers, skilled trades people, the support of local business and major corporate partners, Rebuilding Together affiliates in America's largest cities and smallest towns make life considerably better for thousands of low-income homeowners and the communities in which they live by completing 10,000 projects per year. Rebuilding Together has programs dedicated to, energy efficiency, veteran's housing, aging in place and Gulf Coast reconstruction.

Media Contact: Becky Carter, bcarter@rebuildingtogether.org or (202) 518-3500

ABOUT SAFEWAY Safeway Inc. is a Fortune 100 company and one of the largest food and drug retailers in North America, based on sales. The company operates 1,694 stores in the United States and western Canada and had annual sales of $41.1 billion in 2010. The company's common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol SWY. www.safeway.com

AG Tree Service to partner with RTS for a third year!

RTS is excited to partner with AG Tree Service for a third year in a row on Spring Rebuilding Day 2011.

For the past two years, Adam Guy and AG Tree Service have generously donated their to our organization. They look forward to helping several of our clients this month. Thank you for your continued support!

Is your home in need of AG's services?

Tree Services in the Eastside and Greater Seattle Areas

You have found the Greater Seattle and Eastside areas true tree service professionals. AG Tree Services has a long history of serving commercial and residential clients with virtually any tree related project you can image. Consider us for:

•Tree removals including large and small trees, one or many
•Stump removal and grinding
•Tree clearing including powerlines and window views
•Tree cabling and bracing for at-risk trees on your property
•Arborist consultations on all projects
•Tree trimming, pruning and seasonal maintenance
•Emergency tree services including storm, accident and other emergencies

When you choose AG Tree Services you will be working with qualified professionals every step of the way.

Call us today and ask for our Internet special! 425.440.2007

CONTACT: agtreeservice@gmail.com

Volunteer of the Month: Joe Newland


Joe has been a strong member of the RTS Young Professionals Society for over a year.  He is always willing to go above and beyond at YPS service projects - making sure to have the right tools and planning for any skilled repairs.  For Spring Rebuilding Day 2011, Joe is helping John Hanks manage a project on April 30th of 50 volunteers and some serious home repairs for a veteran in need.

A few thoughts from Joe:

1. Why did you choose to get involved with RTS? How long have you been volunteering with RTS?


I initially became interested in RTS during a baseball practice at the University of Puget Sound through David Thirlby, the younger brother of RTS Executive Director Margie. Travel prevented me from getting involved right away, but upon my return to the great Pacific Northwest, I heard that my good friend John Hanks was serving as a project leader for Spring Rebuilding Day. Having folks like Margie and John on board, coupled with the fun, service-oriented nature of RTS really made the decision to get involved quite easy! My first project was a warehouse cleanup during January of 2010.

2. What do you enjoy the most about working with our organization?

I really enjoy getting to help the community with worthwhile projects. The types of service and social events are perfect for someone looking to get a well-rounded and organized volunteer experience. During Spring Rebuilding Day, it is truly incredible to see the amount of work performed by a spirited volunteer group!

3. What do your colleagues or other volunteers say about RTS? Why do they want to volunteer their time?

Most are excited to learn more about RTS, and eager to get involved when possible. As young professionals, many volunteered extensively during High School or in college and are looking for avenues to continue to give back. I think the most compelling reason to donate time to an organization is the satisfaction taken from giving back to a person in need.

4. What about RTS’ mission are you most drawn to?

I really like that RTS provides community members the chance to live in greater safety and comfort than before. I am also drawn to the fact that RTS brings folks together to give back and contribute positively in the greater Seattle area!

Thank you for your dedication to RTS, Joe!
 
If you'd like to make a donation to Rebuilding Together Seattle in Joe's honor, please click here.

Tuesday, April 5, 2011

50 volunteers to transform home of disabled family in Mountlake Terrace



Saturday, April 9, 2011
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Sarah Ihrie – (206) 963-6904
sihrie@rtseattle.org - www.rtseattle.org

50 volunteers to transform home of disabled family in Mountlake Terrace

Seattle, WA – On Saturday, April 9, from 8 am to 4 pm, Rebuilding Together Seattle (www.rtseattle.org) will partner with 50 volunteers from Safeway to clean, rebuild and repair the home of a family with two disabled children in Mountlake Terrace. In an effort to help others live independently in warmth and safety, Rebuilding Together Seattle focuses on providing low-income homes and non-profit facilities with critical repairs, modifications and energy-efficient upgrades at no cost to the individuals served.

Safeway, the $25,000 project sponsor, will be helping parents Gabe and Shannon, as well as their two young children, one who faces both physical and developmental disabilities. In November, Shannon and Gabe applied to Rebuilding Together Seattle in hopes of providing a warm and safe home for their children. In a letter to RTS explaining their family’s circumstances, Shannon wrote: “My son has many issues requiring medications and tube feeding to keep him healthy. Currently he has no heat in his room, no finished walls, and sleeps on a fold out mat on the floor of his room. The projects [at home] have piled up on us. We struggle with finding the time and resources to do the repairs.”

Shannon and Gabe’s dreams will come true on Saturday. Safeway will provide new flooring, windows, insulation, kitchen appliances, electrical work, clutter removal, and build a new fence. Returning Project Manager, Rick Jones, looks forward to leading the Safeway project for his second year. “For people who have struggled so much and have so little, they couldn’t be happier,” said Rick. They are some of the nicest people I have ever met.”

For more information on the Safeway Rebuilding Day through Rebuilding Together Seattle, please call (206) 682-1231 or email sihrie@rtseattle.org. Project address (4-9-11): 23405 53rd Ave W, Mountlake Terrace, WA 98043. This event will offer exceptional visuals and ample opportunity for interviews; all interested media are encouraged to contact RTS for more details.

About Safeway & The Safeway Foundation
Safeway, in partnership with Rebuilding Together National (www.rebuildingtogether.org), has launched a spring campaign across the nation: Safeway’s Support for People with Disabilities. Safeway and its philanthropic arm, The Safeway Foundation, chose Rebuilding Together as a signature cause partner a year ago. The partnership has had a significant impact the lives of people living with disabilities. During April, Safeway and its local divisions, including: Vons, Pavilions, Dominick’s and Tom Thumb, will complete 10 disability-focused projects in 10 cities, including: Denver, CO; Chicago, IL; Silver Spring, MD; Sacramento, CA; Phoenix, AZ; Portland, OR; Seattle, WA; Dallas, TX; San Diego, CA; and Berkeley, CA..

About Rebuilding Together Seattle
Rebuilding Together Seattle was established in 1989 and is part of the national Rebuilding Together organization with over 200 affiliates in 50 states. We are a volunteer, charitable group that repairs homes and non-profit facilities at no cost to the individuals served. RTS serves low-income homeowners, particularly those who are elderly, disabled, families with children, and veterans in need. For more information, please visit www.rtseattle.org.

###

SRD 2011 Project Preview: SEARS

WHO: SEARS Heroes at Home program

WHAT: Will transform the home of Richard and Marilynn in Seatac. Richard is a veteran and currently in a wheelchair and his wife Marilynn has to help him around as their house needs some accessibility repairs and additions.

PLANNED IMPROVEMENTS: pave driveway so wheelchair does not get stuck in gravel, add culvert at end of driveway so access bus can get off of busy road to pick them up in wheelchair and much more!

WHEN: On Spring Rebuilding Day 2011 – Saturday, April 30, 2011

WHERE: Seatac

WHY: To help Richard and Marilynn live in warmth, safety and independence!

THANK YOU, SEARS!

Interested in making a donation to this project or volunteering on April 30th?
CONTACT: Sarah Ihrie, sihrie@rtseattle.org or 206.682.1231.

Tuesday Sponsor Highlight: Gonzaga University Alumni Association - Seattle Chapter

Rebuilding Together Seattle is excited for another amazing rebuilding day with Gonzaga Alumni!  Every year, Zag Alumns show up in swarms to help with home repairs for a homeowner in need.

Monday, April 4, 2011

Shout out to Cascade Pest Control!

Rebuilding Together Seattle wants to send out a BIG THANK YOU to Cascade Pest Control for their free inspection of four of our Spring Rebuilding Day projects!


 Thank you, Cascase Pest Control, for helping more homeowners live in safe environments!

SRD 2011 Project Preview: Booz Allen Hamilton Inc.


WHO: Booz Allen Hamilton Inc.

WHAT: Will transform a Parkview Services house in Northgate. Parkview Services is a non-profit organization that supports affordable housing for people with developmental disabilities.

PLANNED IMPROVEMENTS: Install a ramp and furnace, power wash, paint, clean the roof, replace some windows, yard work, and much more!

WHEN: On Spring Rebuilding Day 2011 – Saturday, April 30, 2011

WHERE: Northgate

WHY: To help the residents at the Parkview Services house live in warmth, safety and independence!

THANK YOU, Booz Allen Hamilton Inc.!


Interested in making a donation to this project or volunteering on April 30th?
CONTACT: Sarah Ihrie, sihrie@rtseattle.org or 206.682.1231.

Friday, April 1, 2011

SRD 2011 Project Preview: AGC & Vulcan Inc.


WHO: ACG of Washington & Vulcan Inc.

WHAT: Will transform the home of Adriana and her family in White Center. Adriana is a 26-year-old single mother of two, also caring for her 15 year-old brother and 17 year-old sister in White Center.

PLANNED IMPROVEMENTS: insulation, repair to laundry room, new interior doors, plumbing improvements, painting, yard work, and more!

WHEN: On Spring Rebuilding Day 2011 – Saturday, April 30, 2011

WHERE: White Center, Seattle

WHY: To help Adriana and her family live in warmth, safety and independence!

THANK YOU, AGC of Washington and Vulcan Inc!

Interested in making a donation to this project on volunteering on April 30th? CONTACT: Sarah Ihrie, sihrie@rtseattle.org or 206.682.1231.

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