Thank you for your enthusiasm on those tough projects, Steve!
To make a donation to Rebuilding Together Seattle in Steve's honor, please visit our donation website!
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
RTS Energizer: Steven Diesburg (Booz Allen Hamilton)
Thank you for your enthusiasm on those tough projects, Steve!
To make a donation to Rebuilding Together Seattle in Steve's honor, please visit our donation website!
RTS Energizer: Stephanie and Duncan (Concierge Guild of Seattle)
The choice for Richard was hard, as everyone had a can-do attitude. "The reason I have picked these two is that they had the most impact with the short time they were there," Richard said. "The area they finished motivated the rest of the volunteers every time they walked past their area and looked at the garden area they built with the flowers planted as well."
Great work, Stephanie and Duncan!
To make a donation to Rebuilding Together Seattle in Stephanie or Duncan's honor, please visit our donation website!
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
RTS Energizer: Russ Schultz (Honeywell)
Project Leader at the Honeywell site (and RTS Board of Directors member), Gary Ballas, chose Russ Schultz as their sites' RTS Energizer.
Russ, working on installing a fan in an upstairs bathroom!
"Russ is deserving as the RTS Energizer due to his infectious “can do” attitude and ability to take on anything thrown his way," Gary explained. "He did an excellent job running the bathroom project, having many overlapping and somewhat uncertain tasks. He quickly solved all problems and found a way to get it all done, while maintaining a positive environment for those working with him."
Good Job, Russ!!
To make a donation to Rebuilding Together Seattle in Russ's honor, please visit our donation website!
Veterans Helping Veterans on SRD 2010
In 2009, Rebuilding Together National partnered with Sears, in support of their National Veterans Housing Initiative. In February, Rebuilding Together Seattle received notification of a Heroes At Home grant through Sears, to sponsor three veterans projects on Spring Rebuilding Day 2010 (Saturday, April 24th)!
One of the Sears projects was lead by veteran Mike Santopolo, with the help of Project Leader and RTS employee, Jason Cummings. The homeowner, Robert, is a 67 year-old Vietnam veteran. Robert lives in Kirkland with his wife, Fredda. Robert is a quadriplegic due to a recent accident and dependent on his ventilator to live at his home. Fredda provides 24-hour support for Robert, as their family is unable to afford full-time care. Robert's son Kevin, an employee of Sears, contacted Rebuilding Together Seattle after hearing about the Heroes at Home program. Their lives were turned upside down after Robert's accident and resulting disabilities, but Robert and Fredda remained strong and positive.
Initially, the project was to build a deck off the back of the house, make a cement slab for the generator, and construct the kitchen to make it more accessible for Robert. As it turned out, there were enough volunteers to do accomplish additional projects, including cleaning up the front and back yard. Fredda told several volunteers that the garden was one of her husband’s favorite past times.
Most of the volunteers that joined the project were from the Veteran Conservation Corps, with some help from long-term RTS supporter, CITC Apprentice. Other local community members joined the group, including First Gentleman, Mike Gregoire (husband to Washington State Governor, Chris Gregoire) and the program manager of the Veteran Conservation Corps, Mark Fisher. Almost all volunteers in attendance for the project were veterans, including Mr. Gregoire.
Mr. Gregoire, or "First Mike" as he liked to be called, started his volunteer experience by grabbing a rake and shovel and getting to work on the landscaping of the backyard. Later, he decided to go to the hospital to visit Robert, who was being hospitalized for pneumonia.
Mr. Gregoire commented on his experience at the project site and at the hospital:
“I was honored to have the opportunity to participate in Spring Rebuilding Day to assist a Veteran in need. The volunteers that came out to help last Saturday were truly 'volunteer heroes' for the Great State of Washington, and the Governor and I want to extend our sincerest thanks for their work," he said. "It was a pleasure to visit Bob in the hospital and see the sparkle in his eye when we spoke about the work being done on his house, yard and deck. Rebuilding Together Seattle has found a phenomenal way to pay tribute to our veterans; by serving them back."
One of the Sears projects was lead by veteran Mike Santopolo, with the help of Project Leader and RTS employee, Jason Cummings. The homeowner, Robert, is a 67 year-old Vietnam veteran. Robert lives in Kirkland with his wife, Fredda. Robert is a quadriplegic due to a recent accident and dependent on his ventilator to live at his home. Fredda provides 24-hour support for Robert, as their family is unable to afford full-time care. Robert's son Kevin, an employee of Sears, contacted Rebuilding Together Seattle after hearing about the Heroes at Home program. Their lives were turned upside down after Robert's accident and resulting disabilities, but Robert and Fredda remained strong and positive.
Initially, the project was to build a deck off the back of the house, make a cement slab for the generator, and construct the kitchen to make it more accessible for Robert. As it turned out, there were enough volunteers to do accomplish additional projects, including cleaning up the front and back yard. Fredda told several volunteers that the garden was one of her husband’s favorite past times.
Volunteers working in the backyard
Volunteers building a deck
Most of the volunteers that joined the project were from the Veteran Conservation Corps, with some help from long-term RTS supporter, CITC Apprentice. Other local community members joined the group, including First Gentleman, Mike Gregoire (husband to Washington State Governor, Chris Gregoire) and the program manager of the Veteran Conservation Corps, Mark Fisher. Almost all volunteers in attendance for the project were veterans, including Mr. Gregoire.
Mr. Gregoire, or "First Mike" as he liked to be called, started his volunteer experience by grabbing a rake and shovel and getting to work on the landscaping of the backyard. Later, he decided to go to the hospital to visit Robert, who was being hospitalized for pneumonia.
First Mike, visiting Robert and Fredda in the hospital
Mr. Gregoire commented on his experience at the project site and at the hospital:
“I was honored to have the opportunity to participate in Spring Rebuilding Day to assist a Veteran in need. The volunteers that came out to help last Saturday were truly 'volunteer heroes' for the Great State of Washington, and the Governor and I want to extend our sincerest thanks for their work," he said. "It was a pleasure to visit Bob in the hospital and see the sparkle in his eye when we spoke about the work being done on his house, yard and deck. Rebuilding Together Seattle has found a phenomenal way to pay tribute to our veterans; by serving them back."
After returning from the hospital, Fredda was welcomed back to her house by the hustle and bustle of busy volunteers working in her yard and the new deck out back. She was also greeted by Mike Flood, Vice President of Community Relations for the Seattle Seahawks and Sounders FC. Mike presented her and Robert with a commemorative Seahawks coin representing the Seahawks commitment to servicemen and women. Quite an honor!
Fredda, receiving a commemorative coin from Mike Flood
As volunteers wrapped up for the day and headed home, they all left with a sense of accomplishment and pride knowing that they helped Robert gain independence and safety in his home!
RTS also thanks S.D. Deacon, J2 Building Consultants, Honeywell, Booz Allen Hamilton, the Assumption Parish Community, and the Shoreline Fire Department for helping veterans and their families on April 24th!
Group photo of the volunteers
Before and After of Robert's home in Kirkland:
BEFORE
AFTER
Rebuilding Together's Affiliates and Partners Respond to Natural Disaster in Tennessee
WASHINGTON, DC - Due to the unprecedented flooding in Tennessee recently, low-income homeowners have been disproportionately impacted by the devastation. Not only are their homes and personal belongings destroyed, but often they lack the resources and insurance to rebuild once the crisis is past. Rebuilding Together, the nation's leading nonprofit working to preserve affordable homeownership, will be there once the flood waters have receeded. In the coming days and months, local Tennessee based Rebuilding Together affiliates will be assisted by the national office to carry out critical relief efforts.
The flash flooding that has recently wreaked havoc and disaster in Tennessee, most specifically in the areas stretching from Nashville to Western Tennessee, has greatly impacted countless neighborhoods. The National Office of Rebuilding Together has launched initial outreach to the two Rebuilding Together affiliates in Tennessee - Rebuilding Together Nashville and Rebuilding Together Sparta/White County. Thousands of low-income homeowners were immediately impacted by the natural disaster and will require clean-up, rebuilding and preservation assistance from Rebuilding Together.
"Rebuilding Together's National Office has recognized the urgency of this situation and will direct every effort necessary to help our affiliates access as many resources as possible so that they may assist low-income homeowners who have been adversely affected by this natural disaster," said Gary A. Officer, President and CEO of Rebuilding Together. "As a leading housing organization, we know how critical appropriate response time is needed in the wake of natural disasters - we are willing and able to help homeowners who have experienced great loss as a result of the flooding."
In addition to providing resources and assistance to its Tennessee affiliates, Rebuilding Together is also proactively inviting the public and corporate sponsors to donate to the rebuilding needs of the impacted communities. They intend to raise a continued awareness for this area to ensure that a long-term recovery plan is created and carried out.
Rebuilding Together Nashville has been an affiliate of Rebuilding Together for 16 years and has completed 107 homes with the help of over 3,508 volunteers since its original inception. They have been greatly involved with rebuilding projects in the neighborhoods that have been most affected by the recent floods.
Rebuilding Together also plans to collaborate with its latest national partner, PLAN!T NOW, a severe storm preparedness non-profit co-founded by Morgan Freeman, to provide educational and other supportive resources.
To learn more about Rebuilding Together and its work to assist low-income homeowners, visit their website at www.rebuildingtogether.org.
The flash flooding that has recently wreaked havoc and disaster in Tennessee, most specifically in the areas stretching from Nashville to Western Tennessee, has greatly impacted countless neighborhoods. The National Office of Rebuilding Together has launched initial outreach to the two Rebuilding Together affiliates in Tennessee - Rebuilding Together Nashville and Rebuilding Together Sparta/White County. Thousands of low-income homeowners were immediately impacted by the natural disaster and will require clean-up, rebuilding and preservation assistance from Rebuilding Together.
"Rebuilding Together's National Office has recognized the urgency of this situation and will direct every effort necessary to help our affiliates access as many resources as possible so that they may assist low-income homeowners who have been adversely affected by this natural disaster," said Gary A. Officer, President and CEO of Rebuilding Together. "As a leading housing organization, we know how critical appropriate response time is needed in the wake of natural disasters - we are willing and able to help homeowners who have experienced great loss as a result of the flooding."
In addition to providing resources and assistance to its Tennessee affiliates, Rebuilding Together is also proactively inviting the public and corporate sponsors to donate to the rebuilding needs of the impacted communities. They intend to raise a continued awareness for this area to ensure that a long-term recovery plan is created and carried out.
Rebuilding Together Nashville has been an affiliate of Rebuilding Together for 16 years and has completed 107 homes with the help of over 3,508 volunteers since its original inception. They have been greatly involved with rebuilding projects in the neighborhoods that have been most affected by the recent floods.
Rebuilding Together also plans to collaborate with its latest national partner, PLAN!T NOW, a severe storm preparedness non-profit co-founded by Morgan Freeman, to provide educational and other supportive resources.
To learn more about Rebuilding Together and its work to assist low-income homeowners, visit their website at www.rebuildingtogether.org.
Monday, May 10, 2010
RTS Energizer: Tim Roth (Eric Kormondy project)
Project Manager, Eric Kormondy, elected project leader of Adobe, Tim Roth, as his SRD 2010 site's RTS Energizer.
"Tim just kept at it all day and was an inspiration to other members of his company, Adobe," Eric said. "Most years it is usually our core group that is there till the end, but this year we grew by one member- Tim!"
Great work, Tim!
To make a donation to Rebuilding Together Seattle in Tim's honor, please visit our donation website!
RTS Energizer: Ferdinand Baricevic (Assumption Parish & Premiere Builders NW)
Assumption Parish and Premiere Builders NW sponsored a project at a house in Shoreline, making improvements to the home of a disabled mother and daughter, including installing flooring in the daughter's room that is seizure-safe. Project Leaders (and RTS Board members), Tim Lane and Anne Quigg, chose Ferdinand Baricevic as their RTS Energizer.
"Ferd" was chosen for his tireless effort to ‘git ‘er dun’ over this multi-week project. "Ferd made Home Depot runs, engaged the services of the Knights of Columbus men’s group from Assumption, utilized his skills (especially his ladderless mudding and taping that comes in handy with a 6’-6” frame), consulted with others with his excellent overall home repair knowledge, picked up cabinets from the far reaches of the city and put in long hours throughout the project," Tim said. "We are indebted to him for his array of talents."
Thank you, Ferd!
To make a donation to Rebuilding Together Seattle in Ferdinand's honor, please visit our donation website!
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