Builders Care is more than the charitable arm of the Northeast Florida Builders Association. It is the heartbeat of the members. NEFBA members are enthusiastic about the outreach program directed by Executive Director Chris Simons. Builders Care responds to emergency shelter and other construction-related needs of the not-for-profit community. Members respond in a variety of ways, from direct funding, to materials and labor and providing other professional services.
Renovation projects are not complete until the finishing touches are added. Beyond the actual restoration of a home or building comes the restoration of pride and enjoyment. One such project was the renovation of Second Harvest Food Bank’s administrative offices, with a special assist from Glenda Wann Interiors. Severe damage from last September’s heavy rains had caused the roofs to fail. Offices were flooded, walls damaged. The agency was able to raise funds to replace the roof. The new roof prevented further damage, but it didn’t restore the offices to a healthy atmosphere for the staff and volunteers whose hard work provides 1,700 meals a day for our area’s hungry men, women and children. By helping Second Harvest, Builders Care joins the crucial battle to eradicate hunger in Jacksonville.
The Builders Care project included an industrial cleaning of the interior space, removing mold and mildew. The electrical system was replaced, along with walls, ceilings and carpet. Employees and volunteers are now able to perform their jobs in a clean, healthy environment – and in grand style, thanks to the talent and generosity of Glenda Wann Interiors. The renovations and Wann-designed conference room have energized the volunteers and employees.
Another Builders Care construction project was greatly assisted by a generous donation from Lumber Unlimited. Gateway Community Services, a not-for-profit agency that treats addictions and restores addicts to healthy, productive lives, needed a child development center for the children of its residential and outpatient clients. Builders Care is participating in the construction of a 3,500-square-foot building, a safe, modern facility that will provide day care, learning experiences and socialization for the children of moms and dads enrolled in treatment. The center is part of a larger program designed to give people a second chance – restoring individuals and keeping families together.
Volunteers, individual contributions, corporate sponsors and grants make it all possible. Builders Care extends heartfelt thanks on behalf of its clients to companies and individuals such Lumber Unlimited and Glenda Wann Interiors for their roles in improving the lives of neighbors who needed a helping hand.