Tikkun Olam

Having returned from our 4 days of work in Limestone we wanted to thank you for your support, let you know that you were not one of the 3 raffle winners, and briefly recap for you the work that we did.

Our group of 21 teens and parents worked on two separate homes while in ME.  As a group we were able to raise just over $4,000, which was used to purchase insulation, vinyl siding, replacement windows and other supplies.  This year was unique in that the homeowners of both houses were very involved and we got a chance to spend time with both couples and hear their stories. 

The first house we worked on belongs to Linda and Bernie. Bernie built the house himself a number of years ago with leftover wood from a building demolition at the air force base, but because of his age, he's no longer able to work on the house.  The exterior walls were very thin, which is problematic come November in Northern Maine.  Over the course of the week we covered the outside of the house in insulation and vinyl siding which should significantly lower Linda and Bernie's heating bill this winter.  

The second house we worked on belongs to Julie and Tim.  Julie and Tim moved to Limestone about 3 years ago. Tim had been in the process of fixing up the somewhat disheveled house, until last year when he got into an ATV accident, which nearly killed him and left him noticeably cognitively impaired.  We replaced all of the windows (many of which had been duct-taped shut to keep out the wind/rain/snow) and removed wallpaper and painted about half of the interior rooms. 

At the end of the week I facilitated a closing circle where all participants (including the homeowners and others from the Limestone community who were involved) were invited to reflect upon the week. Wiping away tears, Julie thanked us for turning her house into a home.  And Linda noted that not only had we insulated their walls but we had "wrapped their home in love."  Clearly our whole endeavor is about more than building supplies and home repair!

Thank you for helping us to do this.

I cannot express how much I appreciate the support. 

All the best,

Gavi (along with Bruce and Ayden)