August 2015 Newsletter: Volunteers from Around the World

I've always thought it's neat to see how many volunteers from around Denver participate in Extreme Community Makeover projects. But this past month brought another interesting dynamic - volunteers from around the world!  We had a group of students from Japan, as well as a summer camp representing youth from countries such as Brazil, France, Israel, Slovenia, and more. If you haven't had a chance to join a volunteer project in your own backyard this year, we have many opportunities through the fall...and you don't need to travel as many miles as the volunteers I just mentioned. Sincerely, Angela Bomgaars ECM Work Days If you want to join an upcoming Work Day as an individual, click here to register.  If you want to get a group involved for a future Work Day, click here for the calendar of dates and then click here to register. Here is what's happening this month:   Saturday, August 8 - 9:00 am (Barnum Neighborhood)   3501 West 1st Avenue, Denver, 80219 - Bethany United Methodist Church      Saturday, August 22 - 9:00 am (La Alma/Lincoln Park Neighborhood)   910 Kalamath Street, Denver, 80204 - His Love Fellowship Help Us Keep You Updated Some of you might be aware that we have a really fun event coming up in November and we hope to be able to mail you an invite. Please update your address and any other contact info so we can keep you in the loop!  Update Your Contact Info

ECM Fun Day: Sun Aug 9 There is still time to RSVP for our volunteer appreciation BBQ on Sunday, August 9 from 4:30-6:30 pm at Barnum Park. I hope you can come by so we can thank you for your efforts to make a difference in Denver neighborhoods!  Just let us know how many people will be joining you. Volunteer Happy Hour: Thur Sept 10 July Volunteers Thank you to all the volunteers who traveled many miles to volunteer with ECM during the month of July, representing many different states and countries around the world! Brokers Guild CISV Rocky Mountain Denver Youth Meeting Colorado I Have A Dream Foundation God's Grace Community Church Goodwill Hampden Academy Ken Caryl Ranch Middle School Leadership Corps Northwestern Mutual College Interns Restoration Community Church Sogakkan Target West Union Lutheran Church Youth Group Westwood Unidos Safety Committee Youthworks ECM App Facebook Twitter YouTube Copyright © 2015 Extreme Community Makeover, All rights reserved.

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

You're Invited to ECM Fun Day on Sun Aug 9

I hope you can come out for some fun at the park and celebrate service in our city! ECM volunteers are the foundation of all that Extreme Community Makeover is doing in Denver. Every person who serves with ECM is a stepping stone to a brighter future for our neighborhoods. It doesn't matter when you've volunteered or how, what matters is that you did... and if for some reason you haven't had the opportunity to volunteer, please come meet some great people and find out how you can. August 9th is all about celebrating what we are able to do together to serve our city. So please join me for a BBQ, invite your friends, bring your family, and get ready to have some fun. See you there! ECM Fun Day, Sunday August 9th from 4:30-6:30 pm Barnum Park: 360 Hooker Street, Denver, 80219 Sincerely, Angela Bomgaars RSVP

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Your Neighbors and Nextdoor

Nextdoor is a great way to bring neighbors together. It's a free online site that connects you to your neighbors. Depending on the interest of the neighborhood, the topics of each neighborhood will vary. Members have successfully used the site to find a local service provider, find their lost pet, to borrow tools, prevent crime and discover fun local events and more. To join the site, you must verify your address. The verification process helps to prevent non-residents from bombarding the group with spam and such.

Here at Extreme Community Makeover, we encourage people to connect with their neighbors to build stronger, safer, more tight-knit communities. Of course, there is always the good old-fashioned way to connect by simply knocking on your neighbor's door to introduce yourself. And, fortunately, sites like Nextdoor are also available to help neighbors connect using social media.

7.25.15 ECM Work Day - Globeville Neighborhood

Restoration Community Church

Individuals

Summary of 7.25.15 ECM Work Day:

• Volunteers Participated - 75
• Projects Completed - 10
• Volunteer Hours - 375

Recycling Paint

Recycling Paint is Now Easy and Free with the Launch of Colorado’s New PaintCare Program

Starting July 1, 2015, it will be more convenient than ever to recycle paint in Colorado. Residents and businesses in Colorado will be able to takeunwanted, leftover paint for recycling to participating paint retailers (paint, hardware, and home improvement stores) that have volunteered to take back paint. There will be no charge for dropping off paint at any PaintCare drop-off site.

To find the nearest drop-off site, use PaintCare’s online search tool at paintcare.org or call the PaintCare hotline at   1-855-724-6809

For information on what materials are accepted in the PaintCare program and policies on bringing in your paint to a drop-off site, visitpaintcare.org/paintcare-states/colorado/ or download the copy of theColorado PaintCare Program brochure.

7.11.15 ECM Work Day - Westwood Neighborhood

Westwood Unidos & Individuals

Summary of 7.11.15 ECM Work Day:

• Volunteers Participated - 25
• Alleys Improved - 1
• Volunteer Hours - 125