After the Blaze... A Blazing Success
Ever see your life go up in smoke?
The residents of our Bradley Street Apartments in Saco, Maine did this summer. We were blessed that everyone got out safely—even the pets. But the facility, which houses people living with mental health, substance abuse, or who need help with independent living, was a total loss. The residents lost everything. Yet out of the ashes sprang an amazing response from the community.
Phil and Lucie Hatch, who run an assisted living facility for seniors in Saco, donated a wide range of replacement furniture and alerted their fellow members of the Saco Bay Rotary Club to the residents’ plight. The club members helped move furniture and donated gift cards to buy needed items.
“These people are our neighbors,” says Phil. “The Rotary motto is 'Service above self', and we were all grateful to have a chance to practice that on behalf of the Bradley Street residents.”
Joan Cook was at a nearby meeting of a financial trust and actually saw the fire. As a result, the trust rushed a much-needed grant to help ensure that people received the care they needed. Joan who is the executive director says, "It was wonderful that the trust was able to extend a helping hand right here at our own front door."
Thanks to the generosity of so many, we were able to give residents immediate temporary shelter, food, medicine, and basic clothing and household necessities.
“Today, we are moving toward rebuilding,” says Volunteers of America President and Chief Executive Officer June Koegel. “It was a profound life lesson to see what a truly engaged community can accomplish. Thank you to everyone—from the bottom of our hearts.”
The Bradley Street residents still need your help to continue their recovery. Gift cards to Wal-Mart or Target allow them to buy what they specifically need. To learn more, please contact Glenn Michaels at 207-373-1140, ext. 216, or visit our website at www.voanne.org.
After the Blaze... A Blazing Success
Ever see your life go up in smoke?
The residents of our Bradley Street Apartments in Saco, Maine did this summer. We were blessed that everyone got out safely—even the pets. But the facility, which houses people living with mental health, substance abuse, or who need help with independent living, was a total loss. The residents lost everything. Yet out of the ashes sprang an amazing response from the community.
Phil and Lucie Hatch, who run an assisted living facility for seniors in Saco, donated a wide range of replacement furniture and alerted their fellow members of the Saco Bay Rotary Club to the residents’ plight. The club members helped move furniture and donated gift cards to buy needed items.
“These people are our neighbors,” says Phil. “The Rotary motto is 'Service above self', and we were all grateful to have a chance to practice that on behalf of the Bradley Street residents.”
Joan Cook was at a nearby meeting of a financial trust and actually saw the fire. As a result, the trust rushed a much-needed grant to help ensure that people received the care they needed. Joan who is the executive director says, "It was wonderful that the trust was able to extend a helping hand right here at our own front door."
Thanks to the generosity of so many, we were able to give residents immediate temporary shelter, food, medicine, and basic clothing and household necessities.
“Today, we are moving toward rebuilding,” says Volunteers of America President and Chief Executive Officer June Koegel. “It was a profound life lesson to see what a truly engaged community can accomplish. Thank you to everyone—from the bottom of our hearts.”
The Bradley Street residents still need your help to continue their recovery. Gift cards to Wal-Mart or Target allow them to buy what they specifically need. To learn more, please contact Glenn Michaels at 207-373-1140, ext. 216, or visit our website at www.voanne.org.