A Blessing in the Bluegrass State

Charter our Community paid its first visit to Louisville, Kentucky in October, completing two projects in the Bluegrass State. This Charter our Community event had a couple of unique elements to it: Employee volunteers from two companies – Charter and Time Warner Cable – teamed up. And since there’s no Rebuilding Together – our national nonprofit partner – affiliate in Louisville, Rebuilding Together Dayton (Ohio) graciously made the 150 mile trip to facilitate the project.

All told, more than 50 total Charter and Time Warner Cable volunteers rebuilt a private home in the California neighborhood and improved the St. Benedict Center for Early Childhood Education through painting and gardening work.

 

An Overwhelming Response

The home that was renovated belongs to Juanita Cummings. Crews performed critical safety modifications, bathroom upgrades and electrical and plumbing repairs, as well as complete replacement of the kitchen ceiling and floor.

Ms. Cummings, who assisted with pre-work preparations, was overwhelmed by the support she received. “I can’t believe it. This is unbelievable,” said Ms. Cummings. “All of these people coming here to help me. This is such a blessing.”

Juanita, who often has her grandson stay with her, said that she had neither the income nor the ability to reverse the state of disrepair that much of the home had fallen into, and that she struggled just trying to keep things from getting worse.

“I never could have imagined all of this work being done in such a short time,” said Juanita. “I hope they [Charter] do another one [Charter our Community rebuild] in Louisville so I can volunteer – that way I can give back some of what’s been given to me.”

I never could have imagined all of this work being done in such a short time.

“The day was very rewarding for everyone who participated”, said Dan DeKalb, Vice President of Customer Care, Spectrum Business. “To be able to give back to the community and to do it alongside such a fun group of professionals – I am very proud to be part of a team that takes such pride in their community.”

Craig Goode, Charter Vice President of Residential Customer Care was equally impressed. “Charter is clearly taking service to a new level with the program. It is extremely rewarding to work with members of the Louisville team and make such a meaningful contribution in our community”, said Goode.

 

Helping Children

As Juanita’s home was being transformed, a smaller group of Charter and Time Warner Cable volunteers were just a few blocks away working on a second project, performing landscaping and cleanup at the St. Benedict Center for Early Childhood Education. The Center provides care and education to children from six weeks to 12 years of age, including early literacy, math and science skills and music and the arts.

“It’s a two and a half hour drive [for me] but it’s a gorgeous day”, added Jerod Frenzl of Rebuilding Together Dayton. “We’re just happy to be a part of the whole program.”

Be sure to watch the two videos highlighting the Charter our Community Kentucky event.

 

Charter Communications and Time Warner Cable volunteers do some gardening at the St. Benedict Center for Early Childhood Education

Charter our Community volunteers pose for a group photo

Charter Communications volunteer Arielle works on Juanita's home

A Charter our Community volunteer does some painting

More paintwork being done at Juanita's home

Homeowner Juanita reacts to the work done by Charter our Community volunteers

Before and after photos of Juanita's home

Charter volunteers improve the St. Benedict Center for Early Childhood Education

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Charter our Community volunteers assess the landscaping at the St. Benedict Center for Early Childhood Education