Giving Back

Why I decided to join the board?

I joined the Block by Block board because I wanted to be a part of an organization that is making a real difference in the community. Every year, we see many homes demolished by the city. Homes that with a little bit of work could be beautiful and habitable once again. With my past work experience as Director of Operations at the Park District and my knack for DIY projects, I wanted to use the skillset I’ve gained to give back to the community in a meaningful way. Currently, I’m the Director of Community Day Services at MRI, an organization that provides programs to people with disabilities, so being a part of this board is another way I can support people with disabilities, as well as veterans and seniors in our community.

My impression of the first Refresh?

The first Refresh was done for two local families that were in need of some improvements on their homes. While the cosmetic improvements we made greatly improved the look of the homes, what made it incredibly impactful was the sense of pride we were able to help these families feel in their homes once again. They were great people who just needed a helping hand.

Benefits for businesses to participate?

Participating in Block by Block is a great way for businesses to get involved and give back to the community that supports them. Everyone wants to live and work in a community that is safe and well maintained. When our businesses and neighborhoods look good, it attracts others to our community, our businesses thrive, and boosts our economy. It’s also a great volunteer opportunity to provide employees to help make them feel more connected to the community and build team building skills.

What is your vision for 2021?

My vision for 2021 is to continue helping those in need by identifying

more homes to improve in the fall. As we complete these projects and continue to grow our sponsorships and volunteer pool, I know we will be able to grow the number of homes we can improve each year.