A Wonderful Day in Worcester

The weather was warm. The skies were blue. And in mid April, Charter Communications kicked off the very first New England Charter our Community event in Worcester, Massachusetts. Thirty-five Charter employees came together on a sunny Saturday to volunteer their time and help make a difference in the lives of two local homeowners, Winnie and Theresa.

Winnie has lived in Worcester since 1996. She has three grown children; one is a Worcester firefighter and spent ten years in the United States Marine Corps.

Theresa has owned her home for almost 50 years; part of it was built in 1850. She too has proud family military connections. Her father and five brothers all served, among the United States Navy, Army and Marines. Theresa’s grandson is a currently an Army Captain.

Charter Communications employee Cory removes a satellite dish from Theresa’s home.

In conjunction with the local affiliate – Rebuilding Together-Worcester – of our national Charter our Community partner, Charter volunteers performed critical repairs on Winnie’s and Theresa’s homes. These renovations included window replacement, carpentry, installation of new light fixtures, gutter cleaning, caulking, power washing, landscaping – and the removal of an old satellite dish (which we were more than happy to help with!)

Winnie, who herself is very active in local community projects, is a strong believer in “paying it forward,” when it comes to helping others. “The people who are helping [me], thank God for them. For giving up their time… it’s like winning the lottery.”

(L-R) Charter Communications employee Tom with homeowner Theresa and Worcester, MA mayor Joseph Petty.

 

Theresa adds that even though she is a longtime Charter customer, “I didn’t realize that Charter did such wonderful things… Some organizations, you pay your bills and you don’t see them unless you have to complain. I think they [the volunteers] did a beautiful job.” Theresa also greatly appreciated Charter our Community volunteers hanging her American flag when the work was completed. Even the Worcester mayor, Joseph Petty, stopped by.

The Worcester Charter our Community event not only had a positive impact on the lives of the two homeowners, but Charter employees greatly benefited from the uplifting experience. One of our volunteers, Brian, commented that when he gets into his truck the first thing he does is turn on his radio.

But this day was different. This time, Brian had such a positive rush and was so deep in thought from the Charter our Community home rebuilds that he didn’t realize he had not flipped on the radio – until he turned into his driveway. From the feedback received from the homeowners and the Charter volunteers, everyone was singing a happy tune!

Be sure to watch the video above produced by our friends at Charter TV3 and flip through a slideshow of pictures below. We also invite you to read about our Long Beach, California Charter our Community event where Charter volunteers rebuilt a domestic violence shelter.

Charter Communications employee Matt replacing windows at Theresa's home.

Charter Communications volunteers proudly helping homeowners Theresa and Winnie rebuild their homes.

(L-R) Charter Communications employees Liz, Cindy, Caitlin power wash Winnie's home.

Charter Communications employees landscape a garden at Winnie's home.

Charter Communications employees Liz and Grover repair the side porch of Winnie's home.

Charter Communications employees Nga, Susan and Wanda help with yard cleanup and landscaping at Winnie's home.

Theresa's home, one of two homes rebuilt during a Charter our Community-Rebuilding Together event in Worcester, Massachusetts

Charter Communications employee Sarah trims hedges at Theresa's home.

Charter Communications employee Sarah and her daughter Mariah remove clutter and clean the front sitting porch of Theresa's home.

Charter Communications volunteers replace windows at Theresa's home.

Charter employee Mike posing on top of a dumpster filled with trash from Winnie's home.

Charter Communications employees Judy and Leah and homeowner Winnie (middle).