Working Together is Success

“Coming together is a beginning. Keeping together is progress.

Working together is success.”   -  Henry Ford

[Before the water fight]

Royce was soaked. His fellow workers weren’t much better after the impromptu water fight, but no one seemed to mind. The Colorado sunshine was warm and already their clothes were beginning to dry as they went back to work. The five University of Denver students gathered around the lawn, studying it carefully. “It’s still a little uneven on this side,” said Royce. “Let’s try using the board again.” Royce was enjoying himself. True, none of the group had ever leveled a lawn before, but the elderly woman who owned the property had given them advice, and the team was figuring it out.

They continued to work through the afternoon, talking and laughing with one another. After the lawn was leveled they were able to spread out grass seed, and the owner of the house came out with a special sealant that she helped them put on. Finally the job was done and the group left; tired, dirty, and extremely happy. Looking back on the day, Royce said that he would definitely want to work with ECM in the future. “I wish there were more groups like ECM all over the country!”

- Amelia N

Supported by a Community

From the moment the ECM team knocked on my door and offered help I felt support on its way.  My husband and I are first-time home owners and we both work two jobs.  Our yard was becoming a daily source of stress.  We constantly struggled to keep on top of maintenance. 

Angela and the ECM team were able to schedule their visit to the Barnum community easily though email.  Unfortunately we were not able to connect on ECM's first visit to Barnum, but Angela followed up with me and made sure that she scheduled the help we very much needed. 

The ECM team scheduled a visit with me, but I was surprised when I opened the door to more than fifteen people that were there to help me.  I quite honestly couldn't believe the help I was about to receive.   I showed them the problems that I was having with my front yard, like large stumps that needed to be dug up and tree branches that were brushing the house.  They smiled and got straight to helping me.  When they were done with the front yard they moved into the back yard.  I wasn't even expecting them to help me with both spaces!  The ECM team spent five hours helping me with my yard.   It was a phenomenal experience and I can’t believe the way this organization came together to help me and my neighborhood. 

The ECM group was not only a very hard working bunch but they were willing to teach me how to do things like fill my lawnmower.  They gave me confidence to be able to tackle this daunting task.  I feel like my yard is now at a point where I can maintain it.   

It was a pleasure to have help from such amazing and supportive people. It’s not every day that I’m fortunate enough to have help from such a smiling group of people.  I left feeling supported by a community and this is a new feeling for me.  THANK YOU ECM!!!!  

- Cortney, Barnum resident

Amazing Summer Volunteers

With the month of June passing by so quickly, it's hard to believe one month of summer is already behind us.  But June has been a great month for Extreme Community Makeover (ECM) thanks to the amazing volunteers who have been a part of helping ECM impact Denver neighborhoods

ECM has hosted groups of volunteers every Tuesday and Thursday this month, which will continue through the first week of August.  Many of these teams have traveled long miles to come to Denver and spend a week here through organizations such as Adventures in Missions, City Connexx, and Youthworks.  We have seen volunteers from Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Nebraska, and Texas within the past couple of weeks and they have worked hard to paint houses, clean yards, and remove graffiti.  But most importantly, they have been able to build relationships with 26 families.

If you find you have a Tuesday or Thursday free in the month of July, come on out to join ECM and help a neighbor.  You might just find yourself turning into an amazing volunteer as well!

For more information - click here.
To see pictures of these amazing volunteers - click here.