It's a Block Party Kind of Day!

Block party, was definitely the theme of this ECM Work Day.  Not only because of the upbeat tunes provided by resident Jessica and family, but also because of the inspired message given by Restoration CommunityChurch’s associate pastor, Nanci. Nanci challenged volunteers to fully take in the day with thoughts and actions of community, personal growth, and service. 

Volunteer and youth pastor, Lance, spoke cheerily as he described his work with Restoration Community Church and their annual participation with Extreme Community Makeover. The community attitude of Lance and his team did not go unnoticed by Globeville resident, Uriel.  Uriel witnessed the happiness and fun as volunteers painted his house and was so moved by the experience, that he was inspired to sign up to participate in future projects to give back to his community.  For me, I was moved by the energy created as people came together to serve one another, but also to see our youth, such as Uriel being inspired to help as well.

The connection and conversations continued as volunteers and residents shared their stories.  Katie took a break from her painting as she checked in on her ten week old daughter…ECM’s youngest volunteer.  Obviously, Katie’s daughter couldn’t do much in the way of physical work, but her sweet disposition helped to keep volunteers and residents in an upbeat mood. A common theme shared among residents assisted by ECM, as confirmed by Jessica, is of ECM’s perfect timing.  Her husband recently had bypass surgery and wasn’t able to keep up on the maintenance of their home.  Jessica said she was still grieving over the passing of her daughter in February, but was grateful and moved by the support and kindness of the volunteers with ECM. She and her niece, Rika asked for suggestions on how to improve their home’s curb appeal. I suggested they plant a flowering bush in memory of their daughter…they loved the idea.  Like resident Uriel, Rika was inspired by ECM’s work to better Denver’s neighborhoods and asked how she could contribute.

As I drove away from Globeville and the residents I met today, I quickly reflected on how moved I am by the work and inspiration that Extreme Community Makeover and volunteers are contributing to our city and our community.  Truly, all it takes is one act of kindness to create a ripple effect of inspiration, service, and personal growth.  To witness service and kindness in another is surely a recipe for positive change and growth; so thank you to Restoration Community Church and our individual volunteers for being a beautiful example.  Also, special thanks to our Globeville residents for letting us into your homes, your lives, and for your kindness.

- Lisa, ECM Communications Team

The First Work Day of the Year

The Extreme Community Makeover team kicked off the spring season last week with our first work day of the year! Saturday, April 11^th we were out in the Barnum district of Denver with a group of dedicated volunteers and plenty of alley clean up, park cleanup and individual resident work.

The day started at Bethany United Methodist Church, who was gracious enough to allow ECM to use their facility as our base. Volunteers joined us from AmeriCorp, Heritage High School’s student council group, as well as plenty of individuals looking to lend a hand. The teams were deployed around Barnum with roughly 15 different projects to complete during the day. 

One of the more memorable projects of the day was the Cedar Park clean up. A small, corner lot park that needed some love after the winter months. ECM transformed Cedar Park from an overgrown, weed covered lot, into a freshly mowed and manicured park for summer. During our work at the park, I had the opportunity to chat with April Crumley, a passionate, caring resident of Barnum and fantastic supporter of ECM. Between pulling weeds and raking, April told us stories of the history of Barnum. She covered the legends of Barnum & Bailey owning elephants in the area, and educated us on the history of Civil War General Hooker, from whom Hooker Street takes its name.

Talking with April, you could feel her passion for her neighborhood. She spoke so highly of the area, the residents and the potential at every corner. She also told us about the non-profit she leads, Concerned Citizens for Barnum. Since 1974, this neighborhood organization has had the mission to promote community responsibility through informed and active participation of citizens in their local government by implementation of positive, patriotic, fraternal, historical and educational objectives and to preserve and strengthen unity among its members, and in our community by promoting good health welfare, and environmental beautification. It was incredible to hear that for 40 years, April has been working on the improvement of Barnum.

Working alongside April to help clean up Barnum gave myself, and other volunteers an incredible sense of pride. It quickly became more than just a ‘work day’ because you could see and discuss how ECM’s efforts were impacting the residents. Like-minded people, working on a shared vision for one of Denver’s incredible neighborhoods.

We can’t wait for more work days, more neighborhoods, and more people like April.

~Adam, ECM Communications Team