RTMC February 17 Newsletter

National Rebuilding Day is Almost Here! 
 
Although it may not feel like it, Spring is right around the corner! For RTMC, that means National Rebuilding Day (NRD), our signature volunteer event, is fast approaching! This year, we are looking forward to having so many compassionate sponsors join us in rebuilding the homes and lives of low-income homeowners across Montgomery County. 

So far, we have 22 sponsor groups signed up to complete projects with us during NRD. We are pleased to welcome back many sponsors from years past, and are excited to welcome EcoBeco and United Rentals, who are joining us for the first time this year. For a full list of this year's NRD sponsors, be sure to visit our website. We hope to see you the weekend of April 29th and 30th! 
She Builds is Filling up Quickly!
 
Registration is still open for She Builds, RTMC's first annual women-led home repair and revitalization project! She Builds is a national movement across Rebuilding Together affiliates that aims to convene female leaders and activate their power through turn-key, family friendly, home renovation and community restoration projects. Since the campaign's launch earlier this month, we have received an outpouring of community support for which we cannot be more thankful. Our hope is that the women leaders reading this will sign up to make a difference in our community today. For questions, contact Melissa Erickson, Development and Communications Manager, via email at merickson@rebuildingtogethermc.org, or by phone at 301-947-9400 x105. We look forward to seeing you April 30!


NEEDED: Volunteer, Donor, and Business Partner Advocates for County Council Budget Hearings!
 
Over the last month, County Executive Leggett has held 5 budget forums providing key insights into his FY18 budget plan for our county. The forum held at the Silver Spring Civic Center was taped and we encourage you to watch it as it has valuable information on the state of the county's budget for the next fiscal year. 

Coming up in March, the County Council will begin to hold budget forums as well. We are calling on volunteers to testify at these forums regarding the need for financial support for RTMC's services. If you have been part of our work and have had the chance to see what we do in the community, please consider coming out as a volunteer advocate to speak at the County Council budget hearings. All participants must be willing to participate in a pre-hearing advocacy prep meeting. Click below to sign up today!
Emerging Partnership Expands our Reach

Rebuilding Together Montgomery County is thrilled to announce our new partnership with the 
Villages of Montgomery County. The villages are volunteer-led, grassroots organizations that aim to support community members who choose to age-in-place. This partnership is a natural fit and will expand our reach to ensure that no low-income senior citizen in the county has to choose between living in a safe and healthy environment and aging-in-place. To date, we have a formalized partnerships with the Villages of Takoma Park and Silver Spring, but any village member who qualifies for our services is able to sign up, so please spread the word! If you are a member of a village or know someone who is and has critical home repair needs that they are unable to take care of on their own, have them call RTMC! 
RTMC Joins America's Charities!

We are pleased to announce that we have been approved to become a member charity of America's Charities! America's Charities manages 4 charitable giving federations across the nation and many local workplace giving campaigns, including our very own Montgomery County workplace giving campaign. We are beyond thrilled to work with this organization and are very excited to deepen our relationships with Montgomery County businesses through this campaign. Thoughts or questions? Don't hesitate to reach out. Contact Melissa Erickson, Development and Communications Manager, via email at merickson@rebuildingtogethermc.org, or by phone at 301-947-9400 x105.
Congratulations to Sam and Emily Stiebel on the birth of their baby girl!
 
Two members of RTMC's extended family, Sam and Emily Stiebel, recently welcomed a beautiful baby girl, Natalie, into the world. We are so happy for this new family and excited to hear about all of their adventures! Those who know Sam and Emily personally are welcomed to send them a congratulatory gift or note. 
Friedson Group and RTMC Launch Home Fire Safety Program!

In partnership with RTMC, the Long & Foster and Christie's real estate agency, The Friedson Group, is launching the Safe Homes, Happy Residents program. Through this program, the Friedson Group will donate a portion of every home transaction (sale or purchase) to RTMC. The funds will be used to provide each of our clients with enough smoke and CO detectors and fire extinguishers to bring their homes up to code. This will be the basis of a long-term partnership that will include volunteer events and event sponsorships in the future. 
Castle Playhouse Finds New Home at Ronald McDonald House in Washington, D.C.

Back in the summer of 2016, the "Castle Playhouse" was created by a local team of builders, students, and community philanthropists. The Castle was carefully crafted for children with disabilities and included 2 external handicap ramps, a reading nook, an auditory station, a fine motor skills station, and grab bars throughout to assist with mobility. Thanks to a generous gift from Cidalia Luis Akbar of M. Luis Construction Co., the TW Perry Company, and Wendy and Fred Goldberg, the Castle Playhouse has been gifted to the Ronald McDonald House in Washington, D.C!
Rebuilding Together Montgomery County|  | 301-947-9400 |  www.rebuildingtogethermc.org