Moving On: AmeriCorps Term of Service Ends

Rebuilding Together Twin Cities was incredibly fortunate to have Kelly Bandman, Tim Erkel and Brent Suski serve as AmeriCorps Project Coordinators with us over the last year.  Their terms of service ended this month, and we would like to thank them for their hard work and dedication.

Tim will be continuing his AmeriCorps service with the Rebuilding Together affiliate in Seattle.  Both Brent and Kelly plan to stay in the Twin Cities and continue working in the nonprofit world, helping people in need and working to improve the quality of their lives.

Kelly, Tim and Brent have been incredible to work with over the last year.  Your hard work, dedication, professionalism and enthusiasm for our mission have proven invaluable.  Best of luck with this next chapter of your lives!

Introducing Barnraisings.com – A New Way to Help Those in Need

We are positively thrilled to announce the launch of Barnraisings.com, the first crowdfunding and crowd volunteering site specifically for Minnesota nonprofit projects!

Here’s how it works:  Nonprofits submit the stories of their clients who are in need of something specific.  For example, if a wounded vet was in need of a handicap ramp, Rebuilding Together could submit the story, the need, the cost, and the number of volunteers required to complete the project.  Like Kickstarter, the project would only get funded if the entire amount is donated.  Projects have 90 days or less to reach their tipping point.

The idea of Barnraisings came about a year ago when Jim Rettew won the 2012 Minnesota Idea Open with his idea of “Multicultural Barn Raisings.”  The idea received a $15,000 grant for implementation (in partnership with Rebuilding Together), which supported the development of an online tool to match volunteers with “barn raising” projects.  Barnraisings.com is an independent evolution of that initial idea that embodies the spirit of coming together like a good ole fashion Amish barn raising.  People want to give to people.  They want to have a deeper, more meaningful, and more direct connection to the people they’re helping.  Barnraisings helps them do that.

Check out our homeowner stories at www.barnraisings.com – a new innovative way to connect your generosity to the people and stories that speak to you!

Board of Director Update

We are pleased to announce the officers for the next year:

Bart Foreman – President (continuing)
Paul Mellblom – Vice President (continuing)
Alex Phung – Secretary (new)
Erin Steckler – Treasurer (new)

Congratulations to the new and continuing officers and thanks to everyone on the Board for your service to helping those in need live in safe and healthy homes!

 

Thanks To….

St. John of the Cross (Chicago Area Church) Volunteer Team – who worked tirelessly for a full week on the Chelsea Heights playground, the Minneapolis REO house and tasks in our warehouse. This outstanding and versatile team did everything from demolition to painting, yard work, carpentry and cleaning.

Honeywell Retired Volunteers Program Volunteers – who came out to pre-build several ramps.  These dedicated and skilled volunteers are helping homeowners in need live more independently and safely.