Volunteer of the Month: Ed McKenna

Ed, third from the left, reading with his grandkids and his son

Rebuilding Together Seattle is excited to recognize our awesome Volunteer of the Month for July, Ed McKenna! Ed has been a supporter of RTS for almost 15 years, and has been a dedicated Safe at Home volunteer. We asked Ed what it means to him to be July's Volunteer of the Month, and here are his responses!

1. How did you first get involved with Rebuilding Together Seattle?

I started about 14 years ago. Wanting to give back to my community, I thought I would lend my general skills and enthusiasm to help someone who could truly use it. Little did I know that I would soon be tasked as a project manager, overseeing a crew to renovate a deserving person’s home. It was such an uplifting experience for the homeowner, myself and the entire crew. That event had me hooked and I have been a supporter ever since.

2. What do you enjoy most about volunteering with RTS?

I like the people I meet, the support I get from RTS and the thought that so many others are helping our community. Most of all however, I like to see the face of the person I’m helping when they say “Thank you”. Every homeowner I have worked with has been gracious, deserving and truly grateful.

3. What about the RTS mission are you most drawn to?

Warmth, safety and independence are basic human needs that no one should suffer without. From my involvement, I know that RTS helps those who are vulnerable and in need and it makes me feel good to help with that mission.

4. What are you doing when you aren't volunteering with Rebuilding Together Seattle?

I am a full-time judge in Seattle, have a beautiful wife and have 4 grandchildren. Sometimes it’s hard to find time to volunteer when needed but I always think of those less fortunate. However, I seem to find the time to volunteer and after each project, I remember why I first volunteer with RTS.

Thank you, Ed, for your dedication to our mission of helping low-income home owners live in warmth, safety, and independence! 

Volunteers of the month: Christian Public Service

Rebuilding Together Seattle is happy to recognize the volunteers from Christian Public Service (CPS) as our Volunteers of the Month for May! This group is stationed in Federal Way, WA as part of the larger Christian Public Service organization throughout the US.  Christian Public Service is committed to providing places for voluntary service for Christian Youth of the Church of God in Christ Mennonite. The group that volunteers with us is comprised of 4 boys ages 18-20 and their house parents, Wallace and Shelly Johnson. They complete an average of 2 projects a month as part of our Safe at Home program. We are always blown away by the quality of work that they do, their timeliness, and their kindness to our homeowners. Below, you can read what  Wallace had to say about their experience volunteering with Rebuilding Together Seattle.

Tell us about Christian Public Service and the Seattle area group. What other groups do you volunteer with?

Christian Public Service is committed to provide places for voluntary service for Christian Youth of the Church of God in Christ Mennonite. Opportunities include: providing care for neglected children in our emergency child care shelters, providing services needed in large hospitals, providing labor to rebuild after natural disasters such as earthquakes, hurricanes, tornadoes, and floods, providing services of caring and sharing God's love with hurting people.

This unit moved to Federal Way in January 2013 from Vernonia, Oregon, once the flood relief work was finished. Our work consists of volunteering at Good Samaritan Hospital in Puyallup, renovating homes for low income applicants for Habitat for Humanity, and also sorting donated canned goods and groceries or distributing the groceries in the food line for Multi-Service-Center. We serve supper twice a month at Tacoma Rescue Mission. We sing at three different assisted living homes as well as Hope Place Women’s Shelter in Seattle throughout the month.

How did your group get involved with Rebuilding Together Seattle?

 In other states we have and are working with “Rebuilding Together” So when we arrived in Seattle WA we had already made arrangements to meet them to see if they would have any opportunities for us as Christian Public Service to volunteer our time through their programs.

What is your team’s favorite part about volunteering with RTS?

It seems the favorite part of RTS jobs is getting out into the homes of the people in the area to do small projects or fix-it jobs that they possibly can’t afford or are not capable of doing, and when possible going past their expectations. We aren’t looking for publicity but to humbly do a little for the Lord and live our convictions in our everyday lives.

Thank you, CPS, for your continued support of our programs here in Seattle and for different affiliates across the country. You help make our mission possible!
 

Volunteers of the Month: Tim MacBean and Andrew Spottswood

Tim, far left, and Andrew, 3rd from the right.

Rebuilding Together Seattle is happy to recognize Tim MacBean and Andrew Spottswood as our Volunteers of the Month for February! Tim and Andrew led a small team of volunteers to help an elderly woman in living alone in the Interbay neighborhood. The volunteers installed a small ramp at the front door, changed light bulbs and installed smoke detectors throughout the home, painted a bedroom and many other small fixes throughout the home. This was the first time Andrew or Tim has led a project for Rebuilding Together Seattle and we were blown away by their leadership and dedication! Below, you can read what  Tim and Andrew had to say about their experience volunteering with Rebuilding Together Seattle.


How did you first get involved with Rebuilding Together Seattle?

TM: I met another RTS volunteer, Nathan Wright, through our mutual friend Andrew Spottswood, who I partnered with on our February event. I had been trying to find a volunteer opportunity that I could invite my friends and co-workers to that would be fun and rewarding and Nathan thought RTS would be a good fit – and it was! Margie Thirlby graciously came out to Microsoft during the annual Giving Campaign and did a great presentation for our team which got people excited about signing up.

AS: Nathan Wright has done several projects with RTS and introduced myself and Tim to his contacts. We were looking for a way to connect both goals for our church to get out and serve those in our community while bonding with our Co workers for a good cause.


What do you enjoy most about volunteering with RTS?

TM: One of the principles I try to stick to when giving is making sure that I’m not just giving a handout, or where I can’t directly see where my contribution is going. With RTS I could directly see the impact of the money and volunteer effort, plus you get to see the direct impact on the homeowner immediately. It’s pretty rare for all of those aspects to come together and it makes volunteering even more rewarding. All of the people I have worked with at RTS have been exceptional and professional which really makes it easy to plan an event.

AS: The needs are real and we made a true quality of life impact on Patricia. Also bonding with coworkers


What about the RTS mission are you most drawn to?

TM: was just really drawn to the vision of providing a safe and healthy home. When you find a group of passionate people with the right skills it really is so easy to make a major positive change in someone’s life with not that much money or effort. As I mentioned before being able to see it come together along with the end result is just the icing on the cake.

AS: RTS obviously spends a lot of time vetting out the most need and makes it easy for a team that is motivated to make significant change in that persons life.


What are you doing when you aren’t volunteering with Rebuilding Together Seattle?

TM: My job at Microsoft keeps me very busy of course so it is a challenge to balance work with doing what I really enjoy, which is spending time with my wife and 2 children. As a family we like to spend time together outside when we can – riding bikes, hiking, hanging out near the water…. I’m also an avid runner and I really enjoy racing so I try to run anywhere from 5K to marathon several times a year. I also serve regularly at my church in an administrative capacity, in the children’s ministry, and with other charities.

AS: I am a consultant for an IT firm that specializes in health care and CPA firms. I am a husband, dad of 3 (almost 4) and leader in my church, LifePoint Lynnwood.

Tim hard at work!

 

Andrew (left) and volunteers showing their RTS spirit!

Thank you, Tim and Andrew, for your hard work supporting the Rebuilding Together Seattle mission. You are both very special volunteers!

RTS to launch first ever Safe at Home Impact day on November 23rd

Over 100 volunteers to repair 10 homes in one day

Local charity celebrates 1000^th house restoration project since 1989

Seattle, WA – On Saturday, November 23rd, from 8 AM to 4 PM, Rebuilding Together Seattle (www.rtseattle.org) will celebrate its inaugural Safe at Home Impact Day with over 100 volunteers from 65 local businesses restoring 10 homes in one day at no cost to the individuals served.  With a vision of a safe and healthy home for every person, Rebuilding Together Seattle provides free home repairs for low income homeowners in the greater Seattle community.

Through the leadership of local property management firm, Madrona Ridge, and 65 other supporting businesses, Rebuilding Together Seattle will launch its first ever Safe at Home Impact Day to repair the homes of 10 families in one day.  On November 23^rd, Rebuilding Together will also celebrate its 1,000^th house restoration project since the organization’s founding in 1989.  Volunteers will perform a range of repairs to benefit the families served, including carpentry, electric, plumbing, painting, and weatherization improvements.  Featured projects are as follows:

In the Holly Park area of South Seattle, volunteers will provide a kitchen overhaul for 86 year old mother and grandmother, Bernsteen Offord.  After suffering a recent stroke, Bernsteen’s family has been helping care for her.  

In West Seattle, volunteers will support Dolores McGee (73) and her daughter, Debbie (48).  Dolores recently had a brain tumor removed and is the primary caretaker Debbie, who is paralyzed from the waist down after an accident over 20 years ago.  Volunteers will paint the home, repair windows, and improve the safety of the McGee’s wheelchair ramp.  S

In Ballard, volunteers will assist 93 year old Donald Wakefield in Ballard.  His daughter, Donna, lives and cares for Mr. Wakefield so he can remain in his home of over 60 years. Volunteers will paint the house, repair windows, and add numerous safety improvements to the home. 

Madrona Ridge Residential, the event coordinator, has recruited all volunteers, materials, and professional contractor services for the 10 homes. Joining Madrona Ridge are over 65 participating local businesses, including top Sponsor, ECC Painting, along with American Floors & Blinds, Bumgardner, G5, ICS, and Kurkov Construction.

For more information on the November 23^rd Safe at Home Impact Day (including additional sites and addresses) please call Rebuilding Together Seattle Executive Director, Margie Thirlby, at (c) 206.992.5512.  This event will offer exceptional visuals and homeowner interviews; all media are encouraged to attend. 

 

ABOUT REBUILDING TOGETHER SEATTLE

Rebuilding Together Seattle is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with a mission to bring volunteers and communities together to help low income homeowners live in warmth, safety and independence.  Rebuilding Together Seattle was established in 1989 and is part of the national Rebuilding Together organization with approximately 185 affiliates nationwide.  To learn more about Rebuilding Together Seattle, please visit www.rtseattle.org or call (206) 682-1231.

ABOUT MADRONA RIDGE

Madrona Ridge Residential is a property management firm providing property, construction and compliance management services in five states.  Madrona Ridge Residential is an affiliate of Security Properties Inc.  Security Properties has a 40-year history of providing both quality housing to residents, as well as excellent financial benefits to investors. To learn more, visit: www.madronaridgellc.com or call (206) 787-8480.

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Volunteer of the Month: Howard Turner!



Howard (left) with program recipient Debbie

This month, Rebuilding Together Seattle is so happy to recognize Howard Turner as our September Volunteer of the Month! How, as he is affectionately known around the RTS office, is a regular volunteer for our Safe at Home Program and has completed more than 10 projects since joining RTS in March. How has become an indispensable member of the Safe at Home Team and we are so excited to have him.

Now, let's hear from How!

How did you get involved with RTS?

I found RTS on the web. I was searching for a variety of volunteer activities to provide a full range of excitement and involvement since leaving the “wage slave” work force. RTS uses my skills as a project/construction manager, an architect, and as a builder. I also am volunteering at the Seattle Art Museum Gallery, training to be a docent at SAM, helping the Center for Nonprofit Success put on their seminars, and getting involved in Futurewise. As I said, I am looking to get a variety of experiences, perhaps with the idea of starting a new “rewired/retired” career. I loved architecture as a career, but am enjoying the slower pace that these volunteer activities bring.

What do you enjoy most about working with our organization?

RTS pulls together a variety of different types of people. The staff are dedicated to running the organization, the other volunteers are all interested in giving back to society in a concrete way, and the clients are humble, thankful, and in need of assistance. The resulting combinations have, for the most part, been personally very rewarding, giving me a varied experience with people from all over the city.

What about the RTS mission are you most drawn to?

I have a strong need to interact with people in a constructive way. By that I mean, with me giving and being appreciated for something uniquely of my own making. That is what made me a great architect, and why I love RTS. I am able to take the assignment from the RTS staff, go out and meet the client, creatively form a solution, organize the materials and other RTS volunteer talent, and then deliver a quality product. I get a huge boost out of this role.

The other, probably even more important outcome, is a happy customer. I know they need what we can give them, and they could probably use 10 times what we are able to give them, but, frankly, I get as much or more out of the exchange than our clients do.

How does have a couple critiques about RTS, namely...."There should be more parties."

                                                   We couldn't agree more, How!

 

Thank you for all your hard work trying to make RTS a better place to volunteer, and for always putting a smile on our clients' faces. Rebuilding Together Seattle loves you, How!

 

How (right) at a Safe at Home project.

 

If you agree with How and think there should be more celebrations with RTS, then please consider  joining us for the annual fundraiser, the 4th Annual Beer & Wine Tasting on October 4th! To read more about the event and to register, visit the event website!

 

JS Painting Company Paints a New Picture for Veteran’s Family

Reed Jennings with homeowner Cora

RTS is proud to recognize Jennings Sidoine Painting Company for their contribution to our Safe at Home Program.  For those not familiar with Rebuilding Together Seattle’s Safe at Home program, launched just two years ago, Safe at Home has allowed RTS to nearly double the breadth of our impact by helping homeowners who’s repair needs are either limited in scope or too technical to warrant a Rebuilding Day with a large group of volunteers and led by one of our sponsoring organizations or companies.  Safe at Home utilizes skilled or specialized volunteers to address top priority repair needs that meet our mission of helping low-income homeowners live in warmth, safety, and independence.  Owners Sammy Sidoine and Reed Jennings put forth tremendous effort and generosity in donating their professional services and leveraging their business relationships to help ensure homeowner Cora and her son Jerald have a home protected from the elements for years to come.

Through Rebuilding Together Seattle’s Veterans Initiative, Cora, the widow of a veteran, was able to qualify for assistance in repairing the siding of her home damaged by rot and woodpeckers, replacing a dilapidated set of stairs and deck providing entry to the house, and fully sealing the home with fresh exterior painting.  Sections of the exterior were completely bare of paint, allowing the forces—and creatures—of nature to take root.  If you met Cora, you would find that she ordinarily would invite anyone into her home.  However, the family of woodpeckers that had taken residence in her walls had long overstayed their welcome by the time she contacted us.  Damage from animals and insects was bad enough, but with water finding its way into her home and limited means to address the problems, 73 year old Cora and son Jerald—who has some medical conditions limiting his physical abilities—were at a loss of how they could fix their home on their own.

When JS Painting Company heard of Cora and Jerald’s plight, compounded by the fact that because of their home’s repair needs the family was at risk of losing their homeowner’s insurance, the company immediately set to work in remedying the situation.

Both RTS and JS Painting Company knew it would take a community effort to undertake the project.  Willing to personally donate their time to paint the house, Sammy and Reed took their commitment a step further by approaching the vendors they regularly do business with, asking them to pitch in with product donations that would make the project financially feasible.  Their tireless efforts took months of soliciting, coordinating, and waiting for word that they would have the material support they needed to move forward.

In the meantime, RTS activated other volunteers from our Safe at Home team to tackle rebuilding the deck and stairs, as well as removing and replacing all the damaged siding.  A multi-staged repair process on Cora’s home ensued after further inspection revealed that a second floor deck was also at risk of collapse.  Through the combined efforts of two separate volunteer groups the house was repaired and ready for painting just in time for summer’s drier weather.

Now nearly 6 months after the first repair on Cora’s home was completed, JS Painting was still at it, waiting on the final round of paperwork and confirmation to come through on a paint donation.  A lot of credit is due to Sammy Sidoine, who worked with Mallory Paint Store and Benjamin Moore Paints to put every piece in line.  By early July the project was ready to go and in a few long days for work, Sammy and Reed had scraped, washed, primed, and painted the entire home, including trim and the front stairs and landings.  Their work serves as a model for how companies of all size can join with other businesses and individuals in their community to make a real difference in the lives of our neighbors.

Thank you Sammy, Reed, and JS Painting Company!

If you or your company are interested in becoming a Safe at Home volunteer or partner, please contact Caleb Marshall at cmarshall@rtseattle.org. 

RTS Thanks Ryan, Swanson and Cleveland for serving as our first Safe at Home Program Sponsor

In August 2010, Rebuilding Together Seattle launched its year-round maintenance program, Safe at Home, in order to better serve clients with critical home repair needs.  Upon the completion of the 2012-2013 fiscal year (June 30), Safe at Home volunteers were able to help 51 families who qualified for the program - 25 more families compared to the previous year and 52% of Rebuilding Together Seattle's total projects for the year.  

The significant growth of the Safe at Home Program was due to multiple factors, including new funding support.  In July 2012, Rebuilding Together Seattle announced our first ever Safe at Home Sponsor, Ryan, Swanson and Cleveland PLLC.  "It was one of our most exciting memories of the year," said Margie Thirlby, RTS Executive Director.  "Ryan Swanson was our organization's first corporate sponsor, and we couldn't have been happier to bring them on as our first official partner of such an important program.  They've witnessed our growth for over 20 years, and truly believe in our ability to serve more homeowners in our community.  This year we were able to help 25 more families through Safe at Home - in short, we are eternally grateful for Ryan Swanson's support!"

Let's hear from Jason Miller (Director of Marketing and Business Development) at Ryan Swanson!

Why does Ryan Swanson support the mission of Rebuilding Together Seattle?

Service to others and more broadly, to the community is of great importance to both RTS and Ryan Swanson.  Our Credo states how we “recognize our obligations to our families and to the community in which we live and work” and support participation in civic activities by our employees.  We see RTS as an organization that understands the value of this statement and these actions through the care that you provide every day to help homeowners live in warmth, safety and independence. 

Tell us a bit about  Ryan Swanson and your commitment to the community.  What types of organizations do you support, and how does Rebuilding Together Seattle serve as a valuable partner?

Giving back to our community where we live and work is an integral part of Ryan Swanson’s culture. The support of civic activities and the encouragement of the firm’s employees to participate in them is not only a stated tenet of the Firm Credo, it is a part of who we are. We are as dedicated to making our community a better place as we are to providing quality legal services.

Striving to be an active corporate citizen through the participation and support of firm management, attorneys and staff is what makes Ryan Swanson a “human” firm.  Teaming with RTS and others in the community where we live and work exemplifies our corporate presence as a caring and giving company.  This is a benefit we value greatly.

Our firm’s focus on supporting organizations and people in our local community who are determined to make a difference makes RTS a great partner within our charitable activities.  Nearly all of our charitable giving is the result of personal involvement, be it from an organization which the referring employee supports financially or with his or her time.  RTS has, for years, always been close to the heart of our employees and an organization that is enjoyable, fulfilling and easy to partner with.

Why did Ryan Swanson choose to participate as (the first) Safe at Home Program Sponsor?

Ryan Swanson was the first corporate sponsor for Rebuilding Together Seattle (Christmas in April) and has seen the positive impact of our continuing sponsorship for both the community and our organization.  It is a privilege and natural course for us to be the first Safe at Home Program Sponsor as Rebuilding Together Seattle changes with the times and supports those in need.  

What is Ryan Swanson’s hope for Rebuilding Together Seattle in years to come?

Ryan Swanson hopes are that Rebuilding Together Seattle continues to focus on the needs of the community one family at a time.  It is that focus which has the greatest impact for those families and the reward of knowing that we can make a difference in our own community.  

Thank you, Ryan Swanson, for another fantastic year of partnership!

To learn about how you or your company can become a Safe at Home Sponsor, please contact Margie Thirlby at mthirlby@rtseattle.org.

Partner Spotlight: OutToday Plumbing!

 

Rebuilding Together Seattle would like to give a shout out to OutToday Plumbing!

This Bellevue-based plumbing company has partnered with RTS to complete three large rebuilding projects this fiscal year in South Beacon Hill, Capitol Hill, and White Center. Their contributions included fixing a faucet and tub, installing a drain, and fixing leaking pipes.  One project involved OutToday's donation of $1,200 worth of waste and overflow work!

OutToday's continued support of Rebuilding Together Seattle has allowed more homeowners to live in warmth, safety, and independence, and we could not appreciate their partnership more.

Thank you, OutToday!  To learn more about how your company can get involved with Rebuilding Together Seattle's programs, please email sihrie@rtseattle.org or call 206.682.1231.

Safe at Home Highlight!

Three members of our Safe at Home Team (David Kimelman, Mike Santopolo, and Bob Stocco) teamed up to build an interior ramp for residents with developmental disabilities at one of Parkview Services' group homes in North Seattle!

"Gary and I visited the NE 128th St, Seattle house today to look at the new interior ramp and make final decisions about the covering. We were greeted by Lisa who grasped my hand and smiled from ear to ear when I asked how she liked the new ramp! The on-site staff are thrilled as well. Many, many thanks for helping to significantly improve the quality of life for Lisa as well as Sandra and Leanne. Your volunteer efforts on their behalf are greatly appreciated. Wonderful job, just wonderful." (written by Linda Roche, Director of Affordable Housing Program, Parkview Services)

The new indoor ramp!

About the RTS Safe at Home Program

In the fall of 2010, Rebuilding Together Seattle launched a new program to address homeowners' repair needs year-round. The Safe at Home program (formerly Year-Round Program) is volunteer-driven and is achieved by individuals or small groups of volunteers. Typically, Safe at Home projects consist of safety-related repairs that often require skilled volunteers. Along with individual and small groups of volunteers, RTS relies on our Safe at Home Partners, consisting of local businesses that donate their time, skills, and materials to help homeowners with specialty or highly skilled projects.


Fore more information on Safe at Home, visit http://rtseattle.org/safe_at_home.php.
To join the Safe at Home Team, email Claire at coatey@rtseattle.org or fill out a volunteer form.


                        Thank you David, Mike, and Bob!