[Re]Builders In Action
OUR PROJECTS
Summer Interns
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Volunteers
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Summer Interns • Volunteers •
Rebuilding Together’s National Rebuilding Month
Rebuilding Together’s National Rebuilding Month is an annual month-long call to service during April, culminating with National Rebuilding Day, the last Saturday of the month. Thousands of volunteers donate countless hours of service to neighbors in need nationwide. National Rebuilding Month originated in 1973 in Midland, Texas, with volunteers teaming up to help a neighbor rebuild their home. The mission quickly grew beyond the idea of providing service one month per year to bringing volunteers together to provide neighbors in need with critical repairs year-round.
These projects exemplify the true mission of Rebuilding Together of South Alabama, neighbors helping neighbors repair homes, revitalize communities, and rebuild lives.
RTSOAL and WCHS Students Team Up to Assist the O'Neals with Community Projects:
RTSOAL partnered with the O'Neals. We partnered with students from WCHS. The students cut grass, moved debris, weeded plants, bathed the dogs, and planted flowers and vegetables.
Community Support Initiatives: Improving Lives through Landscaping and Safety Enhancements in McIntosh and Fairford:
In McIntosh, RTSOAL supported Peter Sullivan, a veteran, with landscaping. Mr. Pete also retired from Searcey Hospital and his health hindered his ability to care for his yard. The Olin team and William Abrams Lawn Care supported him by making the task manageable. Also, Olin reinforced his front porch and installed a railing, making entering his home safe and secure. Clarke-Washington EMC even tackled a dangerous tree close to his power line. Everyone worked together to ensure Mr. Pete had access to a safe and healthy environment. Mr. Pete's niece, Toni Jackson shared, "Words cannot express the gratitude we feel".
In Fairford, the group provided lawn care services to Mrs. Margie Lewis. She is raising her grandson who has autism. Her grandson loves to be outside but had limited space to play. Olin along with Abrams Classic Lawn Care, cut grass and created a large space for the child to enjoy. Mrs. Margie shared that the support overjoyed her and could not wait for her grandson to come home from school to enjoy the yard.
Constructing Ramps with the State of Alabama Independent Living Program (SAIL):
June 21, 2024: Our summer interns joined SAIL program volunteers to construct ramp modules and learn about accessibility supports.
Reconstruction with Prosperity Community Development Council for Veteran Housing Initiative in Prichard, AL:
July 1, 2024: The RTSOAL team partnered with Rodney Clements, Jr., Executive Director of Prosperity Community Development Council. Rodney shared the plans for the veteran community and the rehabilitation process occurring in Prichard, AL. Over the next two and half years, 57 homes will be renovated to house veterans. For this project, the RTSOAL team worked closely with Armstead Management Group, Kingdom Renovation Foundation, and Sean, to provide landscaping, site maintenance, and framing work to prepare one home for future rehabilitation.
RTSOAL Completes St. Stephens Project
Throughout June and July 2024, RTSOAL completed three workdays to support Mr. John Davis. We partnered with volunteers from Olin Corporation, Sacred Heart Parish, Washington County Baptist Association, and First Baptist Church of Leroy. Mr. John was one of our first applications and a longtime resident of St. Stephens, AL. He lives in his family homestead, and he requested assistance to address home and safety supports. Mr. John was supported with a fresh coat of paint, a bathroom update, and light fixtures. He shared that he has lived in the home for over 50 years, and he never had a shower. RTSOAL volunteers installed a handheld shower to support him with aging in place.
RTSOAL Hosts “Neighbors Helping Neighbors” Volunteer Recruitment Event Sponsored by International Paper:
July 18, 2024: Rebuilding Together of South Alabama(RTSOAL) hosted a "Neighbors Helping Neighbors", volunteer recruitment event at Bigbee Coffee in Jackson, AL. The gathering was sponsored by the generosity of International Paper. Alesia Burrell, Communication Coordinator at the Pine Hill Mill was in attendance and shared the mill's community impact goals. The event strived to create local partnerships with civic groups, faith-based organizations, fraternities and sororities, and student groups.
Dream Day:
January 20, 2025: RTSOAL joined the Town of McIntosh to honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and announce the playground revitalization project.
Close to 70 participants attended the Dream Day. McIntosh Town Council members, Liilie Steiner, Rev. Howard, and Bruce Johnson led the program. A special thanks goes to Rev. Howard and the congregation of Big John Baptist Church for your remarks and program to honor MLK and other community advocates. Also,Mobile Area Council of Scouting, Pack 223 and troop 223 lead the pledge of allegiance. Our Executive Director, Trista Stout-Walker thanked our playground sponsors and event sponsors-(list sponsors). Jason Grimes, Plant Manager of Olin shared the importance of partnerships and working together to serve the community. He is correct, we can not achieve our mission unless we all work together. Thank you to RTSOAL Board Members, Connie Abrams and Rodsalyn Patrick for recruiting volunteers and leading their time and talents to this project.
Roof Safety Training:
February 15, 2025: RTSOAL hosted a disaster training on roof tarping. We joined forces with Mobile County Baptist Association, Mobile County VOAD, Mobile County EMA, and Bay Area Women’s Coalition. We trained 23 volunteers on the safety measures and skills to place tarps on roofs. Thank you to Mobile County Baptist Association for leading the training and Bay Area Women’s Coalition for identifying our neighbors in need. Our efforts supported 3 households with updated tarps until they can find resources to address roofing needs.
RTSOAL and Phi Kappa Fraternity team up for a Handicap Accessibility Ramp Install:
February 22, 2025: RTSOAL partnered with the Phi Kappa Pi Fraternity from the University of South Alabama to remove and install a handicap accessibility ramp for Mrs. Phillips from Saraland. The group worked hard and did an amazing job. The project was funded through a partnership with the Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services SAIL Program and volunteers from the South Alabama Lions Club.
Volunteers include:Meah Dewitt,Ismael Beserde, Liam Finney,Collin Hull, and Daniel Carpenter
Handicap Accessibility Ramp Install:
February 22, 2025: RTSOAL volunteers supported Clifford Abrams with installing a back door and handicap accessibility ramp. His safe access was restored through our efforts.
