RTMC March 17 Newsletter

The Brown Family's Heartwarming Home Transformation
 
Meet the Brown family, a senior couple living in Silver Spring who were in need of some accessibility modifications and other critical upgrades to their aging family home. Rev. Dr. Brown had developed cancerous tumors on his spine that made it difficult to navigate the steps in his home. Thankfully, his church family built a wheelchair ramp for him that granted basement access and when we met him, he had been living there for over a year as a workaround.  Mr. and Mrs. Brown were distraught over their inability to share the family space they'd shared for more than 40 years and missed one another's company dearly. 

When we heard the Browns' story, we were determined to do everything we could to restore normalcy to their lives. Thanks to a strong partnership between Adventist HealthCare and RTMC, we were able to address the social determinants of health inside of this family's home - installing two chairlifts for the Browns (with our partners Mobility Solutions) for improved navigation in the home and completing weatherization work which keeps the family's home properly insulated while Dr. Brown heals.

We are so thankful to have had the chance to work with this gracious and resilient couple and we are equally thankful for our partners who make it all possible. Our story was shared on WUSA 7; be sure to check out the video today!
Good News in Fundraising
 
Temple Beth Ami

RTMC Executive Director, Christina Johnson, joined long time house captain Roger Rothman at Temple Beth Ami in early March to speak to the Temple's Brotherhood group about Rebuilding Together and describe the backbone of our community impact - volunteer engagement. The event was very successful, resulting in a connection to CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield and the potential to work with their internal volunteer group focusing specifically on providing assistance to veterans. Additionally, the group presented a check for $2,100 which was raised at Temple Beth Ami's golf outing in support of their extraordinary National Rebuilding Day work.  What a mitzvah! 

Steadfast supporters like Temple Beth Ami make our mission come to life and if you'd like to learn more about their great work, visit their Facebook page here. For information on how you can get involved as an RTMC volunteer, contact Nelson Nguyen at [email protected].    

RTMC Selected to Receive Lowe's Grant from National Office

Rebuilding Together Montgomery County was selected as a $15,000 grant recipient by the National office for spring 2017. This grant, given by Lowe's in partnership with the Rebuilding Together National office, will be used to rehabilitate the homes of two Montgomery County homeowners in need. Work done in each of the homes will focus on weatherization and energy efficiency repairs, as well as home repair of a critical nature to the health and safety of the home. Thanks to Lowe's and the Rebuilding Together National office for helping us to improve the lives of two Montgomery County homeowners in need.  
Spring is Here, is Your Home Prepared?
 
Spring is finally here and with it comes a breath of fresh air! Despite the mild winter we have had in Montgomery County, you can be sure your home will still be in need of some routine maintenance to ensure it is as safe and healthy as possible heading into the season. Our partners at HGTV have pulled together a list of 10 home maintenance tips to prepare for spring. Take a look at them here and consider following these tips to make sure you head into spring with your home prepared for whatever weather might come our way!
Emerging Partnership Expands our Reach

The number of Spanish speaking clients reaching out to RTMC has increased dramatically and thanks to a new partnership with the Spanish Speaking Community of Maryland (SSCM), we are now able to provide our clients with consistent and accurate translation services. The SSCM has agreed to provide translation services to us free of charge allowing us to continue providing quality home repair services to residents across the county, keeping homes safe and healthy for all. Later this year, we will provide rehabilitative work to their facility so it is dignified, safe, and healthy for all clients with whom they work. We are so grateful for this growing partnership which is sure to be an invaluable resource for Montgomery County!
Catch us Around Town: Will you join us at these upcoming events?!

Senior Forum and Resource Fair: April 7, 2017. Montgomery County Council member Sidney Katz will hold a senior forum and resource fair at the Rockville Senior Center on Friday, April 7. The goal of the program is to inform senior residents of scams, addressing the signs of elder abuse and neglect, and promoting ways seniors can contribute to the community through volunteering. As many of our clients are seniors, RTMC staff will be there to collect information that we can share with those we serve. We would love for supporters to join us and we hope to see you there!

National Rebuilding Day: April 29 and 30. 2017. National Rebuilding Day (NRD) is fast approaching! On NRD, RTMC staff and groups of volunteers spread throughout the county will be completing safe and healthy home repair projects for low-income residents of Montgomery County. We will be in all parts of the county, so if you see a group feel free to stop in and say hi! 
Rebuilding Together Montgomery County|  | 301-947-9400 |  www.rebuildingtogethermc.org