Stanley Black & Decker Grant Changes Two Lives

We would like to send a huge THANK YOU to Stanley Black & Decker for providing us with funding to build ramps for two very special people – Hannah and Marshall. This grant has truly changed their lives, as well as the lives of the family members who care for them. Here are their stories:

Hannah is 25-years old and has lived with multiple disabilities her entire life. Hannah’s mom is her primary caregiver and requested a ramp to be built at the home they are moving into so she can continue to safely care for Hannah.

Hannah’s Mom Debbie sent us this note, “Thank you Rebuilding Together Twin Cities and Stanley Black & Decker for working together in providing a wheelchair ramp for my daughter, Hannah. It’s a vivid reminder that kindness still stands tall! My heart is grateful. This wheelchair ramp means everything to us. When someone like myself has a daughter with involved disabilities living at home you absolutely require various ‘adaptations’ to accommodate the fragile needs of that special person. Hannah is 25 years ‘young,’ although her cognitive skills are that of a three-month-old. That being said, I continue to share with her the goodness that exists.”

Marshall is 8-years old and lives with cerebral palsy. He is getting too big to carry in and out of the house, particularly for his grandparents who often care for him.

Marshall’s Grandpa Robert, sent us this note: “Not many people have a barrier that prevents a person from leaving their home. That’s exactly what Marshall has. Marshall is an 8-year-old growing boy with cerebral palsy. Marshall is not able to walk, so he has a wheelchair to get around. Marshall’s mom and grandmother have a very difficult time getting him in and out of the house. And because of this, Marshall stays at home a lot. Marshall’s world is very small, a living room and his bedroom. Most weekends he never leaves the house. This is because Marshall is getting too big to carry out of the house and down the stairs. The risk of him getting hurt is very real. This is the barrier that keeps Marshall from doing the things he loves…swimming and traveling. Building a wheelchair ramp for him has opened up the world for him. Now he can have new experiences and make memories like every other kid.”

Check out this news coverage of Marshall’s project:

StarTribune

CBS

Thanks again to Stanley Black & Decker for providing the funding for these important projects!

Register for our Virtual 2021 Flannel Fling!

Our 2021 Virtual Flannel Fling will be held on Thursday, October 7, 2021 at 6 pm!

Join Emcee Matt Muenster and Auctioneer Sarah Knox for an entertaining event and help us raise funding to help more of our neighbors in need live in safe and healthy homes!

We have a lot in store for you, including our silent auction, which will feature more than 100 items, and a live auction! We are excited to share that dinner kits will be available for purchase this year through Eat for Equity.

Even though you are staying home – we still want to see you wearing your best flannel for this event.

Get all the details and register today HERE.

Meet Our New Program Manager!

We are thrilled to introduce our new Home Repair Program Manger Ryan Thomas!

Ryan has owned his own business for several years and has a diverse background that includes project management, marketing, business development, sales and more! His past areas of experience include industrial hygiene, OSHA compliance, medical device manufacturing, asbestos inspection, lead-based paint inspection, and personnel management. He is a team player and skilled project manager.

Ryan and his wife Jennifer recently bought a home in St Paul.  Jennifer is a registered nurse and the VA Medical Center in Minneapolis. Ryan also enjoys volunteering, coaching wrestling, bicycling and exercising, listening to live music, and spending time with his dog Bodhi. We are excited to have Ryan on our team!

Thanks to Catholic Heart Workcamp!

Shout out to Catholic Heart Workcamp who spent a week volunteering with us!

We had 21 Catholic Heart Workcamp volunteers, some from as far as Washington State and Illinois. They worked with four different homeowners over four days, and tasks completed included exterior painting, landscaping, and installing an exterior handrail. We appreciate your hard work in helping our neighbors in need!