Springing Forward with Rebuilding Together
On Saturday, April 26, Rimland’s Developmental Training Center welcomed a visit from valued community partner Rebuilding Together North Suburban Chicago. Rebuilding Together is a national nonprofit organization that provides repairs and renovations for low-income families and communities throughout the United States. Each year, Rebuilding Together organizes Give Back Day, an initiative dedicated to matching sponsor organizations with nonprofit facilities in need of repair and improvements. For this spring’s Give Back Day, Rebuilding Together North Chicago coordinated the efforts of 130 volunteers from First Presbyterian Church of Evanston and Sojourner Covenant Church of Evanston on behalf of Rimland’s Developmental Training Program.
The volunteers worked alongside Rimland staff members and families painting doors, classroom walls, and the large, open areas between the classrooms. The colors in these areas are now consistent with the new colors standard throughout Rimland facilities and residences. Participants also replaced doors and damaged ceiling tiles and made much-needed repairs throughout the Developmental Training Center. Some of the volunteers worked with lead artist Katy Ingle to paint a mural along the wall of the open area in the Developmental Training Center. The mural features a soothing design of lily pads floating on a pond.
In addition to their participation with the adult volunteers in renovations and repairs, the youth volunteers created specially designed gift boxes for Rimland’s direct support professionals. The handmade boxes included candy, gift cards, and personalized thank-you notes for the staff’s hard work.
Executive Director Carolyn Keel joins in the effort.
A volunteer in action.
Staff and volunteer photo.
Youth volunteers created gift boxes for staff.
The mural in progress.
Everyone pitched in.
Riimland staff and volunteers pose in front of the mural.
Like new.