Sacramento Children's Home and Sacramento Sutter Elder Care Center

Well, after a lot of preparation, the day was finally upon us! The Great Sacramento Area Chapter of IAHSP did us all proud! Our final team of 27 was split into two groups and we did make-overs on the Sacramento Children's Home and the Sacramento Sutter Elder Care Center.

Although our painter was a no-show, several ASPs stepped up and jumped in, working into the night to get the job done. The painting was done the day before so as to be dry for the big day. Even John Norris, the husband of Chapter President Jennie Norris, worked until 1:00 a.m. to help us!

With our many talented ASP's and ASPM's, we took on the lobby and two bathrooms in the Children's Home, making these areas much more cheerful and welcoming. There were several restrictions such as no candles, cans of sprays, or anything that could be used as a weapon. Many of the children that come into this place of refuge have deep emotional scarring and safety had to be carefully considered as we Staged.

At the Senior Center, we completely overhauled the lobby, not only with paint, but new furniture and accessories. It is so much warmer now - not so "institutional" looking. My husband, Rich, is a General Contractor, and he donated his time and materials to reinforce many of the sagging shelves in the Senior Care pantry. Even my daughter Amanda, a college student, jumped in to spend the day helping us.

The Center Directors were on site at both locations and were absolutely amazed at the transformations. I've included some before-and-afters for you, as well as some pictures of us at work.

All in all, the day was a huge success!

OH! And a great testimony...

While we were making over the Children's Home, the driveway out front was getting re-tarred. Later in the day, one of our ASP's didn't realize there was wet tar out front and she walked into it, getting messy black gunk all over her shoes. She even got black, tarry footprints on the brick steps! Oh no! So you know what I did? I decided to try some Krud Kutter! And guess what??? It worked in not only getting the tar off the bottom of her shoes, it also got rid of the footprints on the brick steps!! We couldn't believe it! So big thumbs-up to Krud Kutter for saving the day! I've also included a picture of me cleaning the shoes. You can see the tar just bubbling up under the Krud Kutter!

Not to end this by being heavy, but one of the things I really learned from this day is that your word matters. When someone says he or she will show up and do something, it matters. Following through with your word - being accountable - makes all the difference in a project like this. While we got through the painting fiasco due to those wonderful souls who jumped in and got it done, to realize that someone whom we had counted on just dropped us at the last minute without even a phone call, really hurt. Those ASP's that committed to this event, then kept their word and followed through, really made a difference. And it is because of them that I remain inspired.

Let me know if there is anything else you need from me!

Hugs,

- Jeannie Berger

To add to what Jeannie wrote so well above, we were unable to secure a lunch sponsor for our event, so Diane Cahill, ASP with our chapter, prepared lunch sacks of gourmet croissant sandwiches, fruit, drinks and treats - and in each sack was an inspirational note. This was her donation to the cause - and it was greatly appreciated. Michelle Beste & Meena Bhayani started painting and prepping the Children's Center, working until 5:30 PM when Diane and I arrived to relieve them. We worked until 9:30 PM. - and we were relieved by my hubby and Diane's brother, Dave, who worked until 1 AM to finish the job! So it was a real team effort and the next day the transformation of both places occurred. The manager of the Children's Center was amazed at how the place looked and was especially excited about the "nurses station" - and old, dingy and dated bathroom, that now has some color, flair and fun! She could not wait to show it to the nurse - knowing how appreciative she'd be at her new surroundings.

I have some more photos I'll send along from this great event - to add to Jeannie's before shots and the afters she took as well.

She did an amazing job coordinating everything, and the other ASPs that were part of her committee really came through! It was a lot of work but very rewarding and worthwhile!

Hugs,

- Jennie Norris

Charity Day Event Sponsors

Michelle Keller of Brook Furniture
777 Campus Commons, Suite 200
Sacramento, CA 95825
916-641-5883

Warehouse Paints
10117 Mills Station Drive
Rancho Cordova, CA

Rich's Home Remodeling, Inc.
2126 Sheffield Drive
El Dorado Hills, CA 95762
916-496-0174

John Norris – Lyon Real Estate
509 Gresham Court
Roseville, CA 95747

Sunrise Wholesale
11265 Sunrise Gold Circle, #P
Rancho Cordova, CA 95742