We are thrilled to welcome the newest member of our team, Natalie Ryan our new Office Manager! Natalie has extensive experience in customer service, accounting, office management, and human resources. Welcome to the team Natalie!
This past week, two of our AmeriCorps members, Kyle and Alina, traveled to North Carolina to take part in the Safe and Healthy Housing Summit. They joined AmeriCorps members from Rebuilding Together affiliates from across the country for this four day summit in partnership with NeighborWorks that focused on training the members in the seven principles of safe and healthy homes. They learned how to better assess a home to create a work scope that can be reasonably accomplished, while impacting the home in sustainable ways. Much of the training was hands-on, and they learned how to do many of the repairs that are essential to safe and healthy homes. Alina spent her time insulating an attic and crawl space, ripping out carpet, and fixing gutters. Kyle spent his time learning how to replace soffits and gutters. It was a great learning experience. Thanks to Rebuilding Together of the Triangle for hosting this summit!
Taylor Winscher and Derek Steffes – volunteered at the warehouse
Board Members Erin Steckler, David Mohs, Bart Foreman and Brian Frey – volunteered at our booth at the HandsOn Volunteer Expo
When Zack was hit and left for dead on an Anchorage street in September of 2012, doctors told his mother Cheryl Young that her son would not survive. They would try to keep him alive until she could get there.
Cheryl never gave up her firm belief that Zack would not only survive, but that he would someday walk again. After getting Zack through his darkest times, Cheryl had him transferred to the Courage Center in Golden Valley for his long journey back to recovery. She then rallied friends and family around her personal dream – an accessible home for Zack that would accommodate his mobility needs and give him a place where he can continue his recovery.
However, times were tough. The driver who hit Zack had no car insurance. Zack had no health insurance. Medical bills quickly ate up their savings, and neither Zack nor Cheryl could work. With no big insurance settlement and no bank willing to give them a loan, Cheryl did whatever she could. House plans were donated, a lot in South St. Paul was purchased and a foundation was put in. Through her own tenacity, she raised $100,000 towards a $220,000 home.
Last year, Cheryl approached the Builder’s Association of the Twin Cities (BATC) Foundation for help. Her story of steadfast belief in her son and his remarkable progress moved the BATC Foundation to come to Barnraisings and say, “if you can raise $60,000, we’ll match it, so Cheryl can finish Zack’s house.”
Amidst it all, Cheryl was diagnosed with cancer and was in a major auto accident herself. Please visit Barnraisings for more information about Zack and Cheryl’s incredible story and to find out how you can help at www.barnraisings.com/campaigns/bring-zack-mohs-home.
