
Neighbors helping neighbors, like through the barn-raising efforts
of old, is the American spirit in action. Rebuilding Together was
born of that spirit as people come together to help their low income,
elderly or disabled neighbors repair their homes.
This local chapter, Rebuilding Together Saratoga County, Inc. (RTSC), was founded in 2003 when Michelle Larkin invited friends and relatives to an informational meeting. All 35 people who attended committed themselves to the mission of helping their neighbors in need and the first donation of $100 was received. The program has grown steadily since. In 2004, 100 volunteers completed 5 projects. Just three short years later, 517 volunteers, donating 3,375 hours, completed 30 projects. In addition to the annual spring workdays, last year we had added a fall workday day in September.
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Why we do what we do
The new kitchen cabinets, the new bathroom floors, lots of newly painted areas, less clutter, a more efficient spot for the dishwasher and the entire house newly insulated. We could go on and on, but the bottom line is, you have had an unbelievable impact upon our facility. The spirit of your organization and the volunteer staff has infected the Vet House. We are so thankful for the infection, because your organization has infected us with new hope, new attitudes, a desire to make things better and most importantly that there are really people who care and want to help make lives better and help others become more productive. The improvements to the facility are great, but the changes that it has produced in our residents and staff already, is unbelievable!
Our residents and staff could not believe all the things that you were able to accomplish in three days. They could not believe that people would volunteer their time and skills to help them as you have made the house a much better place for them. But even though most of the work has been completed, it continues to remind everyone who comes into the house what a difference your organization has made to them. We are so grateful for all you have done and the amazing commitment that Sears made to our Veterans. Again, we want to say thank-you for all you have done and accomplished for our Veterans.
Thank you,
Staff and Veterans at the
Saratoga County Rural Preservation Company
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Without them our work would not be possible! Please show them your appreciation by supporting them, as they have supported us! |
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Thanks Sponsors and Volunteers!
Saratogian's letter to the editor, May 2008
As we complete our 7th spring workday this weekend, Rebuilding Together is grateful and humbled by tremendous community support that has enabled all of us to come together and help our neighbors in need. We worked with over 400 volunteers and 40 homeowners and non-profits this spring! Our wonderful sponsors made sure we were funded in order to help these neighbors.
We are happy to say it has been 5 years since our inception and the community’s desire to help and fund this Rebuilding is phenomenal. We sincerely thank our donors of all levels, from our premier sponsor - The Saratoga Builder’s Association - to our Pizza Patrons! We are fortunate to live in such a giving community. For every dollar we receive, we are able to send back into the community 3-4 times that amount in services by helping folks with their home repairs and improving the living conditions of those families. Thank you Saratoga County Volunteers and Sponsors. Please visit our website to view pictures, watch our video, sign up to volunteer, or download an application.
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Housing Group Work Honored TimesUnion - June 22, 2007
By DENNIS YUSKO, Staff writer
Michelle Larkin (blue) and fellow workers on site with Rebuilding Together Saratoga County, April 2007
SARATOGA SPRINGS -- Soroptimist International of Saratoga County recently presented Michelle Larkin, founder and coordinator of Rebuilding Together: Saratoga, with the 2007 Making a Difference for Women Award.
The award honors women who make extraordinary efforts on behalf of women and girls.
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