Meet the new RTS Outreach Committee!

Recently, RTS Launched a new Outreach Committee to establish a group of volunteers at our organization who can help spread the word about our programs throughout the year.

ABOUT the Outreach Committee

PURPOSE: To develop a group of community leaders who support the mission of Rebuilding Together Seattle and are committed to spreading the word about our programs to expand the RTS referral network and increase RTS's visibility in the greater Seattle community.

GOAL/VISION: Establish RTS as the #1 go-to (comprehensive) free home repair resource for low income homeowners in the greater Seattle area.

MEET OUR MEMBERS!

Shomari Jones, Meredith Mathews East Madison YMCA

About Shomari:
"The YMCA of Greater Seattle Black Achievers Program, housed at the Meredith Mathews East Madison YMCA, offers high school youth opportunities to explore career options, develop leadership skills, prepare for college and participate in service learning and social activities. Through caring relationships with African American professionals and high quality programming, Youth Achievers learn to set educational goals, understand professional standards and strengthen developmental assets."

Thoughts on RTS:
"RTS embodies values similar to those of the YMCA with an emphasis on social responsibility. I am proud to be a part of a network of providers whose mission revolves around helping others and ensuring safety/security for the community of individuals and families that benefit from their services. In addition, I look forward to being a connector and conduit to the un- and under-served population that are not aware of this organization and its amazing mission."

Melanie Granfors, Shoreline Fire Department

About Melanie:
"I have been the Public Information Officer and Community Education Specialist for Shoreline Fire for 13 years. My job includes educating the community about injury prevention, fire and life safety, and serving as the Department spokesperson and media liaison. I also coordinate our human services outreach programs, where I have discovered the incredible need for programs that involve basic home repairs and focus on warm, safe and dry places to live for our elderly, vulnerable and needy residents."

Thoughts on RTS:

"As part of my work at the Fire Department, I have encountered dozens of elderly and disabled residents living in dilapidated and poorly maintained homes – for lack of money and support – and inability to change their situation. Often these folks are frequent 9-1-1 callers because they have no other means of drawing attention to their plight. I try to assist these folks in finding resources, and it is not an easy task. Once I discovered RTS, I was astounded at the efficiency and competence they had at helping me get some of these folks back on track. There is no other organization doing what RTS does and it is an absolute godsend to the first responders, who encounter these challenges every day and have no way to help. I consider RTS as serving a huge need in the population AND serving their fire and police departments by assisting with these daunting, non-emergency health and safety issues."

Anthony Matlock, Seattle Public Utilities

About Anthony:

"I work for Seattle Public Utilities as a Community Project Manager. My job focuses on education and outreach for environmental issues around surface water management. I also am involved in public private partnerships with Seattle residents, school, Business Improvement Areas, and senior assistance related to environmental and other quality of life issues."

Thoughts on RTS:
"I have had the privilege of providing support for some of the RTS projects in the Seattle area. I have also had the opportunity to see firsthand how RTS helps the most vulnerable amongst us “People.” I believe that this is an essential program needed to strengthen and remove barriers in our diverse community that enhances the quality of life for all involved."

Noelle Smithhart, Vulcan Inc.

About Noelle:

"I am in community relations at Vulcan, working specifically with the new development in South Lake Union. In addition, I'm on the Board for the South Lake Union Chamber of Commerce and am active with the Cascade Neighborhood Council."

Thoughts on RTS:
"I helped coordinate an RTS project at a non-profit facility in South Lake Union. I am passionate about volunteerism and community involvement. Since the initial project, I've been thrilled to see my colleagues get more engaged with RTS and am excited to help get the word out about the amazing work RTS provides in our greater Seattle community."

Jennifer DeRosa, OTR/L, CAPS

About Jennifer:

"I am the founder of AdaptABLE for LIFE. AdaptABLE for LIFE is a therapist owned agency dedicated to providing solutions for independent living. We are committed to maintaining healthy communities by working directly with individuals with disabilities and age related issues, as well as the organizations that service them."

Thoughts on RTS:

"I am committed to doing my part in helping people live in their home of choice as a means to maintaining healthy communities. I believe my role in the RTS Outreach Committee is a perfect way to help build trust among homeowners and RTS and spread the word to other organizations working directly with homeowners in need."

THANK YOU, OUTREACH COMMITTEE!

WANT TO GET INVOLVED?
Interested in learning more about the Outreach Committee? Email: sihrie@rtseattle.org.