Supporting Families in Sheboygan

There’s something incredibly powerful about people coming together to help someone they’ve never met. It’s this power of community that was the driving force behind a successful home rebuilding effort in partnership with Rebuilding Together Sheboygan County.

On Saturday, April 25, National Rebuilding Day, nearly 50 Charter employees joined forces with local Rebuilding Together volunteers and area trade professionals to rebuild two homes in Sheboygan, Wisconsin. This event marked the Wisconsin launch of Charter’s national philanthropic initiative, Charter our Community.

Charter employees traveled to homes and by 8 a.m., assignments were made and volunteers were working alongside skilled trade professionals. Home renovation projects included installation of windows, roofing, insulation, plus painting, interior repairs and landscaping improvements.

Volunteers assess the condition of the wood frame before replacing the front window.

 

Making a Difference

Each of the homes had been in their respective families for multiple generations. Homeowners Tom and Ruth recount fond memories of their two bedroom bungalow and raising their two children in what they describe as a small house in a close-knit, family-oriented neighborhood.

Health issues in recent years have prevented the couple from making the needed repairs on their own, so when they were notified they had been selected to receive support through Rebuilding Together and Charter our Community, they were overjoyed. “Words cannot express the feelings we have,” said Ruth as she fought back tears. “From the bottom of our hearts – thank you.”

For homeowner Tracey, the program support will help her maintain her independence. She lives alone in her home where she grew up. Receiving new windows will make a big difference; old windows that had been installed incorrectly allowed drafts to blow throughout her home, leading to high heating bills.

“I used to sit on the couch and watch the Green Bay Packers games and could feel the cold air blowing on me,” Tracy added.  Redoing Tracey’s front step to ensure it was level and safe was also a priority. “I just cannot thank you enough for helping me,” she said.

“This initiative is an excellent way to show the culture and experience that we really have within our communities,” said Greg Bieker, vice president of Charter’s Fond du Lac, Wisconsin call center. “We live and breathe in this community. So being able to do something like this is a great example of us giving back.”

Charter Communications employee Patricia disposes of scrap lumber as the day winds down.

 

Smiles All Around

If volunteer signup is indicative of employee interest in the new program, then Charter has found a great match with Rebuilding Together. According to Greg, “So many Charter employees volunteered that the project signup was filled within just a couple of days. Our team’s willingness to participate in what we’re doing is humbling to me,” he added.

As the day wound down and tools were packed up and volunteers headed home – sore muscles and all – it was clear from the smiles on Charter employees’ faces that there’s something powerful and inspirational about community projects like this. The homeowners were overjoyed with emotion and gratitude and the volunteers who took time out of their busy weekends to help left with a feeling of pride and accomplishment.

Charter Communications employees take a break from yard work to pose for a team photo.

Charter Communications and Rebuilding Together volunteers pose with the homeowners for a group photo.

Charter Communications employee Matt works with a team of volunteers to replace the kitchen window.

Charter Communications employees Lisa and Lisa are pleased with the day’s accomplishments.

Charter Communications employee Lynn works with a Rebuilding Together volunteer to construct a new front stoop.

(L-R) Charter Communications employees Wendy and Heather apply the finishing touches to the kitchen ceiling.

Charter Communications employee Patricia works with Felicity, the daughter of another Charter employee, to paint the new back door to match the home’s exterior siding.

The Sheboygan Fire Department delivers and installs new smoke detectors.

Charter Communications employee Mark works alongside a Rebuilding Together skilled volunteer to replace windows.

Charter Communications employee Heather paints the bedroom.

With the old siding removed, volunteers discuss the best course of action to rebuild the back wall.

Volunteers called in a Charter broadband technician to assist with some in-home wiring needs.

(L-R) Charter Communications employees Kelly and Scott begin an extensive project to rebuild the home’s back wall.

(R-L) Homeowner Tracy credits her sister Bobbi for initiating the process with Rebuilding Together to obtain assistance for essential home repairs.