Thank You Donors
You donated over $50,000 in April and May through The Big Payback, direct gifts, and in-kind gifts! With the $20,000 match, that’s over $70,000 for repairs for older adults and tornado survivors.
In turbulent times it would be easy for you to be concerned with your own needs, but you chose to give to others. You demonstrate human love and our ability to overcome obstacles.
Donations fund critical repairs, mobility modifications, Sort/Pack/Move services, and tornado recovery. We couldn’t rebuild without you!
letter from donor
Thank You Volunteers
As we practice social distancing, Westminster Home Connection is refraining from large scale volunteer projects. However, some faithful volunteers have come together in unique cases that called for help from 1 – 2 people.
Here are some of the ways volunteers helped rebuild our communities this Spring.
In Sumner County, a volunteer cut away intrusive vines that were tearing at a client’s gutter and roof. This mitigation prevented animals from getting into the attic and causing more damage.
In Williamson County, two volunteers fixed a broken storm door that had precarious cracked glass. Westminster Home Connection will follow-up with railings and other mobility modifications. In the meantime, this client can safely enter her front door without fear of treading on glass.
Finally, in Davidson County, volunteers hauled away multiple truckloads of brush from a client’s curb.
We are so grateful to our volunteers and all the meaningful support they provide to keep our clients safe and reassured during these turbulent times
Brush Removal Process
A Joyful Client
Ms. C. was communicative throughout her assessment and repairs. She called to tell Westminster Home Connection how delighted she was the day the construction team came. “I was so excited that I was up at 4:30 this morning!” We made a number of repairs, but she was especially excited about her ramp, “Even on days when I don’t have to go out, I like to look at it and see how nice it is.” Ms. C. was effusive with her compliments and remembered the crew by name.
Ms. C. trying out her repaired ramp
Westminster unstopped the bathroom sink, installed grab bars in the tub, installed GFCIs and smoke detectors, replaced lights, caulked and painted windows, brought the ramp up to ADA standards, and added a downspout. We also took the time to learn about Ms. C., who is an avid crafter. She likes to re-purpose miscellaneous items to make them into beautiful bouquets. Sometimes she has the chance to sell her work, but Ms. C. likes to give as well. She made and donated robes for her church choir.
Matthew working on window repairs
We are blessed that we had this chance to work with such a joyful client.
Ramp built with Extended Volunteer Network
Mr. C. with his case manager, Bobbie
Mr. C., 71, lives alone in a quaint yellow home with steps at both entrances. His is visited by his children and grandchildren, and Mr. C. is inviting to his neighbors, who stop by to use the phone, wash clothes, or share a meal.
His health deteriorated, leaving Mr. C. temporarily hospitalized. He is adamant about “never going back to the nursing home,” stating that he “takes pride in being independent.” However, getting up the steps into his home and stepping into his tub became perilous. Hoisting himself up the stairs with his cane was also quite painful. Upon learning about these struggles, a medical caseworker referred Mr. C. to Westminster Home Connection.
Westminster Home Connection, along with volunteers from Calvary United Methodist Church, built a ramp at his back door, allowing Mr. C. to enter his home pain-free. In thanks, he said, “It is much easier to get groceries in the house. I’m not scared of falling every time.”
The Westminster Home Connection team also fixed his shower plumbing and repaired the access wall to make bathing safer.
Several other needs came to light, and he was referred to resources for help with electricity, food, transportation, and property taxes thanks to our connections across the local nonprofit network. Most importantly, Mr. C. regained his independence to age in place safely. He is very grateful for the “good Christian folks who came to help.” [He] didn’t realize all of this help was out there.”
Radio Roof Repairs
Westminster Home Connection spent four days at Mr. L’s, repairing a leaking water heater, a continuously running toilet, weak switches, light fixtures, and broken windows. The team also installed two window HVAC units, fixed a hole in the roof, cleared away over-hanging limbs, and repaired damaged gutters, soffits, and fascia.
Gutter: Before and After
How have the repairs changed your life? I am very grateful to your organization. Most of the damage at my house occurred because of clogged gutters, which I couldn’t maintain. Vertigo kept me from getting on ladders. What the guys did was invaluable.
How did you maintain your house before? Critters found way their way into the attic. I didn't want to risk climbing up the side of my house to deal with them. I hooked a motion sensor device to a radio and lights in my attic. If any animals got into the roof, they triggered device, and the light and music would scare them away.
Mr. L. and the crew had a laugh at one staff member’s expense because he got startled when he set off the device.
Roof: Before and After