RTS Energizer: Lance Stewart, Honeywell

 "I’m nominating Lance because he went to great links to solve a variety of electrical problems for our Honeywell SRD project.  When Lance arrived on Spring Rebuilding Day he already knew that he was going to work on fixing some electrical “anomalies” but what he didn’t know was that he would be handed a list of more than 12 projects that the homeowner had identified needed to be fixed.  To make matters even more challenging, the mobile home that we were working on has aluminum wiring which requires special handling, special fixtures and great care to prevent it from breaking when installing electrical components.  Lance managed all of the projects and led a couple of other volunteers to ensure that everything got done.  When we were wrapping up for the day the homeowner happened to just mention that his kitchen light didn’t work.  This item wasn’t even on the long list.  So Lance volunteered to come back two Saturday’s later to fix that problem as well.  So now, all is well with the electricity at our client’s house, thanks to Lance!"

Thanks for your dedication, Lance!

RTS Energizer: Fred Kaseburg, Intellectual Ventures

"Fred has worked with our group and RTS for six years. This year he worked hard on repairing a large hole in the kitchen floor.  When he finally emerged, he looked for other ways to pitch in.  He is always willing to do the difficult and sometimes not so pleasant tasks with a positive attitude.  He has an enthusiastic spirit and is determined to complete his projects, staying until the end of the day."

Thanks for your continued support and hard work, Fred!

Rebuilding Together Receives Eighth Consecutive Four-Star Charity Rating

PRESS RELEASE 5/30/2012 For Immediate Release Contact: Becky Carter Rebuilding Together bcarter@rebuildingtogether.org

Rebuilding Together Receives Eighth Consecutive Four-Star Charity Rating WASHINGTON, DC - May 30, 2012 - Rebuilding Together recently earned a 4-star charity rating for the eighth consecutive year from Charity Navigator, the nation's largest charity evaluator. Rebuilding Together's mission to provide a safe and healthy home for every person revitalizes homes and communities by performing essential renovations for low-income families, the elderly, people with disabilities, and veterans. This mission and work has been recognized by Charity Navigator as being executed in a fiscally exceptional manner, outperforming most other charities in America. Rebuilding Together reports that for every dollar raised 86.6% is spent on direct program expenses. Rebuilding Together consistently achieves its organizational mission and responsibility to communities and homeowners in-need nationwide, as well as its responsibility to donors, supporters and volunteers. "Rebuilding Together is pleased to receive another outstanding rating from Charity Navigator; the continued success proves our efficiency and leadership in the nonprofit community," said Gary A. Officer, president and CEO of Rebuilding Together. "We always aim to be a fiscally responsible organization while increasing the capacity and outreach of our programs to assist low-income homeowners and communities. The 4-star rating is a testament to our upstanding business practices." To learn more about Rebuilding Together, its mission and work, visit www.RebuildingTogether.org About Rebuilding Together: Rebuilding Together believes in a safe and healthy home for every person. Rebuilding Together provides critical repairs to an existing home, addressing both structural issues and those that affect the health of the homeowners. House by house, block by block, we work with our nearly 200 affiliates, 200,000 volunteers, who are skilled tradespersons, corporate partners and everyday citizens, to repair homes, to stabilize and revitalize communities. For nearly 25 years, we have seen the benefits when people remain in their homes: lives are improved and communities are revived. See the difference we make at www.RebuildingTogether.org. You can also follow Rebuilding Together on Twitter @rebldgtogthr or become a fan on Facebook at Facebook.com/RebuildingTogether. Media Contact: BCarter@rebuildingtogether.org ###

Thank you, GiveBIG 2012 donors!

Rebuilding Together Seattle sends a BIG thanks to our GiveBIG 2012 campaign donors! This year RTS raised over $1,400 through GiveBIG (75% more than last year!) and it wouldn't have been possible without your support. Thank you for giving BIG!

Dean Backholm

Candace Baer

Angie Ballas

Julie Baroh

Joyce Brown

Kristin Cramer

Arthur Fleming

Amanda Gouldthorpe

Colleen Harris

Tina Kimbrell

Raymond Loyola

Claire Oatey

Debbie Oatey

Anne Quigg

Jack Quigg

Michelle Roseborough

Kyle Weeks

Kathi White



OUR MISSION: 
Rebuilding Together Seattle brings volunteers and communities together to help low income homeowners live in warmth, safety, and independence.

JON BON JOVI SOUL FOUNDATION JOINS REBUILDING TOGETHER AND LOWE'S

PRESS RELEASE 5/24/2012 For Immediate Release Contact: Becky Carter Rebuilding Together bcarter@rebuildingtogether.org

JON BON JOVI SOUL FOUNDATION JOINS REBUILDING TOGETHER AND LOWE'S TO BUILD A HEALTHY NEIGHBORHOOD FOR PHILADELPHIA WASHINGTON DC - MAY 24, 2012 - Rebuilding Together, in partnership with the Lowe's Charitable and Educational Foundation and  Rebuilding Together Philadelphia, announced  today that the Jon Bon Jovi Soul Foundation is joining Rebuilding Together's Building a Healthy Neighborhood project in the Overbrook neighborhood in Philadelphia.  The Building a Healthy Neighborhood project recruits hundreds of volunteers, local leaders and officials to rehabilitate nearly 30 homes in the Overbrook neighborhood June 14 - 16. The work will address local families' critical needs, including major interior and exterior rehabilitations, accessibility modifications and energy efficient upgrades. The volunteers will also participate in community clean-up and the installation of a new playground at the Overbook Environmental Education Center in partnership with Carter Oosterhouse's charity Carter's Kids.  The Building a Healthy Neighborhood mission is to demonstrate the positive effects of home and neighborhood revitalization on the overall health of homeowners, families and communities.   The Jon Bon Jovi (JBJ) Soul Foundation has come on board as a partner, bringing along knowledge of the City after having participated in various housing projects in the past throughout Philadelphia.  According to the Jon Bon Jovi Soul Foundation, the common theme of all of their past revitalization efforts has been   to help strengthen the community by improving (or preserving) the housing stock and thus the lives of those within the community.    "We were excited for the opportunity to partner with Rebuilding Together on this project," said Mimi Box, Executive Director of the JBJ Soul Foundation.  "Upon hearing about the work they were setting out to do, we realized this build fits in perfectly with our model for community revitalization and incorporates the elements we look for in each build in which we participate: 1) the housing component - and here will affect the lives of 30 homeowners; 2) services and community support through the Education Center; 3) making the homes more energy-efficient; and 4) the very large volunteer component.  Volunteerism is something that the JBJ Soul Foundation has long supported and is a cornerstone of our mission."  "We are thrilled that the Jon Bon Jovi Soul Foundation will be supporting Building A Healthy Neighborhood in Overbrook with Rebuilding Together and Lowe's Charitable and Educational Foundation," said Gary A. Officer, president and CEO of Rebuilding Together. "To see the momentum build among our sponsors and volunteers and know that the effort we are making will help sustain a landmark Philadelphia neighborhood in a healthy and viable manner is inspiring."     "Creating safe and healthy living environments in the homes impacted by the Building a Healthy Neighborhood project helps bring vitality to families, neighborhoods and communities," said Marshall Croom, chairman of Lowe's Charitable and Educational Foundation.  "Our Lowe's Heroes network of employee volunteers will be hard at work with community volunteers in Philadelphia to help make a difference for the families of Overbrook."  Volunteers from Lowe's, Wells Fargo, Citrin Cooperman, Rebuilding Together's CapacityCorps alumni, Choice Hotels, and HGTV and DIY Network, will revitalize the Overbrook neighborhood and community center, as part of Rebuilding Together's mission to provide a safe and healthy home for every person. ABOUT REBUILDING TOGETHER Rebuilding Together believes in a safe and healthy home for every person. Rebuilding Together provides critical repairs to an existing home, addressing both structural issues and those that affect the health of the homeowners. House by house, block by block, we work with our nearly 200 affiliates, 200,000 volunteers, who are skilled tradespersons, corporate partners and everyday citizens, to repair homes, to stabilize and revitalize communities. For nearly 25 years, we have seen the benefits when people remain in their homes: lives are improved and communities are revived. See the difference we make at www.RebuildingTogether.org. You can also follow Rebuilding Together on Twitter @rebldgtogthr or become a fan on Facebook at Facebook.com/RebuildingTogether. Media Contact: BCarter@rebuildingtogether.org ABOUT LOWE'S Lowe's supports the communities it serves through programs that focus on K-12 public education and community improvement projects. The company's signature education grant program, Lowe's Toolbox for Education®, has donated nearly $5 million in grants to K-12 public schools every year since its inception in 2006. Lowe's Heroes employee volunteers support local community projects and our national nonprofit partners such as Habitat for Humanity and the American Red Cross. In 2011, Lowe's and the Lowe's Charitable and Educational Foundation together contributed more than $32 million to support communities in the United States, Canada and Mexico. To learn more, visit Lowes.com/SocialResponsibility.  ABOUT JBJSF Since 2006, the Jon Bon Jovi Soul Foundation has existed to combat issues that force families and individuals into economic despair. Through the funding and creation of programs and partnerships, we support innovative community efforts to break the cycle of poverty and homelessness. It is the organization's goal to recognize and maximize the human potential in those affected by poverty and homelessness by offering assistance in establishing programs that provide food and affordable housing while supporting social services and job training programs. Our goal is to assist with rebuilding pride in one's self and one's community - one SOUL at a time. ###

(A Very Special) RTS Energizer: Barbara Marks, Emmanuel Episcopal Church

After Emmanuel Episcopal saw this video of Barbara Marks (a family member of one of the SRD 2012 recipients) thanking the volunteers for their hard work, they had this to say about Barbara:

 

"On behalf of Emmanuel Episcopal Church it is so fitting that Barbara Marks made the video - because we want to nominate HER as our Energizer volunteer.  She worked as hard as anyone on this day, and of course, I'm sure she is responsible for making sure Mrs. Madison was on the list for assistance as well. It was an honor and really a super pleasure to work along side her - and she was working still as we were leaving.  An amazing person and so dedicated to her ex-mother in law! Thank you for considering her as our super volunteer!"

A BIG THANK YOU to both Barbara and Emmanuel Episcopal Church!

Introducing the Safe at Home BLITZ!

During the month of June, Rebuilding Together Seattle will introduce a brand new event: The Safe at Home BLITZ!  Since our fiscal year ends on June 30, 2012, our goal is to use up all remaining program funds to help homeowners on our waiting list before the end of the fiscal year!

Our Safe at Home program is primarily a volunteer-driven program achieved by individuals or small groups who complete safety related repairs for clients.  For more information on Safe at Home, visit: http://rtseattle.org/safe_at_home.php

We are excited to announce the Safe at Home Blitz! If you have any questions or would like to support our Safe at Home Program, please contact coatey@rtseattle.org, or call our office at 206-682-1231.

RTS Energizer: Doug Wilson, The CoHo Team of Windermere

"The ideal volunteer combines the Big 3 —Head, Heart and Hands. The CoHo Team of Windermere agents’ 2012 recommendation for the Energizer has them all! Doug Wilson has the head to analysis a project and accurately calculate the material, tools, labor and time needed to complete it. He has the warm heart to make others feel welcome and a part of the project. And lastly he has the capable hands to do the work that is needed – no matter the job or the challenge Doug does all he can to get it done. His passion for helping others is inspiring as is his dedication to making life better for those who life has challenged. For years no matter what the project, Doug has been the essential energizer. This was the case again this year when over 50 volunteers came together to do over $10,000 worth of improvements to the New Beginnings Woman’s shelter. We all thank you Doug and can’t tell you how much we appreciate working with you!"

Doug (left) pictured with Peter Wolf

Great work, Doug!

RTS Energizer: George Gregory, Center for Spiritual Living

"George Gregory is our 2012+ Energizer! In his 16th year of service with our Center for Spiritual Living Community Service Team, George Gregory led the back yard clean up & accessory structure demolition + shlepping and loading tons of wood, metal and "stuff" from the overloaded yard.  We loaded all that into the 4 dumping trucks he loaned us on 4/28 (and 3 on 4/21 and 1 on 4/7) from his business, Kaleidoscope Landscaping, to make 15 trips to properly dispose of the wood, metal and waste!  He gives with love like this every year.  Thank you George!!!"

George (white t-shirt) leading the group removing a train axle from the homeowner's backyard!

Thank you, George!

Madden Family Rebuilding Day

On Saturday, Rebuilding Together Seattle volunteers (representing Boeing, Ferguson Enterprises Inc., YPS, and more!) came out to complete repairs needed at Daniel's home in West Seattle.  The project was made possible by the generous sponsorship of Pam and Vince Madden. Daniel suffers from physical disabilities.  Volunteers replaced a window, painted his living room, built a french drain, removed debris, completed yard work, built new stairs to replace rotting wood, replaced a dryer and bathroom vanity, plus more!  RTS sends a huge shout out and thank you to Project Manager, Joe Black, and our lead safe renovator and board member, Gayle Roberts! 

Thank you, volunteers!! Daniel is ecstatic with the improvements made to his home!

Group Shot

Daniel

Morning meeting

 Painting Crew!

Clearing out the basement (with a smile!)

 Window Crew

 Yard Crew

BEFORE AND AFTERS:

Yard project:

Drain project:

Stairs:

 New Window:

RTS Energizer: Ulises Lopez, WSGR

"Ulises Lopez exemplified a can-do positive attitude from the minute he stepped onto the project site.  He (and Greg Loreti) led the laborious task of deck demolition, including removal of the concrete foundation piers.  All the while Ulises had a smile on his face.   His amazing work ethic and skills shown on our most difficult tasks made him an obvious choice for the project Energizer"

Ulises with homeowner, Clara

Awesome work, Ulises!

We love our Spring Rebuilding Day Program Recipients!

THANK YOU FOR MAKING US SMILE!

BlackRock Rebuilding Day!

Today, over 40 volunteers from BlackRock's Seattle office are out at the North Seattle Boys & Girls Club (the oldest club in the state!) helping with numerous repairs including remodeling the boys, girls, and ADA bathroom, building storage shelving and moving a storage room, cleaning, creating a soundproof room for a teen recording studio, painting, yardwork, replacing appliances, and much more!  Big thank you to Project Leaders Britta Jones and Kelly Lems for leading the efforts, and also to Joan Caldon with the Boys & Girls Club for all her help in planning for the day! 

A few photos to start the day- more to come!

Thank You, BlackRock!!!