Tuesday, January 13, 2009

Extreme Home Makeover

The show Extreme Home Makeover show is making over a home for a family in my home town and I was lucky enough to be accepted as a volunteer. Yes, you have to apply to be a volunteer! 19 people from my office all volunteered together, we didn't really get to do anything on the house, but we had a lot of fun.

Here is the story of the family who is receiving this wonderful gift...

Born without legs and only one fully developed arm, Mary Ann is no stranger to adversity. Mary Ann was placed in foster care at an early age and grew up in poverty and an unstable household. After getting married and having four children, she struggled financially and found herself on welfare.
Despite her living conditions and disability, she was determined to lead an independent and active life while providing love and support to her four children. It was this same unwavering determination that prompted her to obtain a driver's license, be the first in her family to graduate college and become both an employee and state/national Ambassador for the Easter Seals program. Her work with the Easter Seals has taken her all over the country, inspiring thousands of people to overcome adversity and reach for success. In 2006, Mary Ann became a first-time homeowner and has since been employed with the local Housing Authority, where she counsels other struggling families in her community to find housing.
Unfortunately, her own home is ill-equipped to serve her physical challenges and has led to many serious physical injuries. Mary Ann's children are deeply concerned about their mother's care and safety, especially when she's home alone. Despite its challenges, Mary Ann's home is nonetheless, a source of great pride to her. In one-week, Mary Ann and her four children, Nichole (18), Victoria (17), Angel (15) and Jessie (14) will have a beautiful new home where they can live safely and create memories to last a lifetime.
Mary Ann and her family are true heroes in our community and it is because of this that De Young Properties, Extreme Makeover: Home Edition and hundreds of volunteers are building them a new home in seven days!

Here are some pictures...

Checking in at the volunteer tent



On the volunteer bus on our way to the jobsite






The House...



Michael from Extreme Home Makeover



My Favorite Celebrity...



Some of our group got picked up for garbage duty - UGH!





And some of us had to help protect the streets...

2 comments:

sheree said...

that is SO cool! I can't wait to see that episode on tv!

Aunt Nutty said...

They said the episode is supposed to air in March.