What started as a simple conversation at the New Alternatives open house turned into a full-fledged building improvement project with multiple Rapid City businesses lending support.
In May of 2016, Sheila Johnson, Program Director, and staff at the New Alternatives Intensive Independent Living Center hosted an open house to introduce the community to this new service offered by LSS. When asked by visitors what LSS needed to help the program succeed, Sheila shared that, while generous donations were received to remodel the interior, the exterior of the building still needed some updating. One of the visitors, Farmers Insurance Agent Randy Horsley, offered to help Sheila find donors and volunteers in order to replace the building’s siding.
While working with Randy on potential donations, Sheila contacted Gene Wittkowski of Collin’s Siding for an estimate on materials. Gene and Sheila worked through several options before agreeing that Gene would offer the siding at a lower price if LSS could commit to paying for a portion of the project.
With that news in hand, Sheila and Jessica Lillebo, Regional Director for Development and Foundation, started seeking donations toward LSS’ share of the cost. They soon learned, however, that additional donors would not be necessary – Collin’s Siding had decided to donate the entire cost of the project!
Along with Collin’s Siding, two local businesses stepped up to provide additional resources. Kieffer Sanitation donated the use of a dumpster bin and Summit Signs donated a large sign to recognize the community project. Thank you to Randy Horsley, Gene Wittkowski, Farmers Insurance, Collin’s Siding, Kieffer Sanitation and Summit Signs for your support!
AND, no story on an improvement project would be complete without a good before and after. Take a look at the difference below! I love the little porch they built at the door…so much more welcoming!
