VISTA Corridor Flood Recovery
August 23, BRIGHTEN
BRIGHTEN 2008
This Craftsman-style home built in 1910 is the pride and joy of homeowners Donna and Bob. They've put a lot of hard work into their home of about about 30 years.
On August 23, a group of Coe College students, supervised by Katie Ferguson, yearlong AmeriCorps VISTA member, painted the second story of the home.
Donn and Bob hope the painting by Coe College students extends the life of their current paint job by a few years as they put money into their next major project -- heating and air conditioning.
They bristled at the suggestion that their Wellington Heights Neighborhood isn't a good place to live.
"Once these houses get fixed up and painted, they're as nice as any homes in town," Donna said.
Evenings you'll often find the couple outside on their front porch watching their grandchild and other children play.
"We want people to know this is a good neighborhood."
Coe College students paint Bob and Donna's home in the Wellington Heights Neighborhood as part of BRIGHTEN.
This Craftsman-style home built in 1910 is the pride and joy of homeowners Donna and Bob. They've put a lot of hard work into their home of about about 30 years.
On August 23, a group of Coe College students, supervised by Katie Ferguson, yearlong AmeriCorps VISTA member, painted the second story of the home.
Donn and Bob hope the painting by Coe College students extends the life of their current paint job by a few years as they put money into their next major project -- heating and air conditioning.
They bristled at the suggestion that their Wellington Heights Neighborhood isn't a good place to live.
"Once these houses get fixed up and painted, they're as nice as any homes in town," Donna said.
Evenings you'll often find the couple outside on their front porch watching their grandchild and other children play.
"We want people to know this is a good neighborhood."
Coe College students paint Bob and Donna's home in the Wellington Heights Neighborhood as part of BRIGHTEN.
For more information about Beautify Restore Improve upGrade Houses to Empower Neighborhoods (BRIGHTEN) visit Central Cedar Rapids Weed & Seed site at www.crweedandseed.com.
August 23, 2008, Wellington Heights Neighborhood in Southeast Cedar Rapids, BRIGHTEN painting day.
Twenty owner-occupied homes had been targeted for BRIGHTEN projects this summer, but after mid-June record flooding, volunteers redirected their efforts to flood recovery.
Students from Coe College in Cedar Rapids spent Saturday, August 23 doing community service.
About 60 Coe students worked hard to take care of needs that existed prior to the flooding, including painting four southeast Cedar Rapids homes. The homeowners had received citations from the city for code violations, and BRIGHTEN volunteers work to help those who don't have supplies and equipment to paint, or aren't physically able to do the work alone.
AmeriCorps VISTA members often pitch in to organize and supervise BRIGHTEN events.
The day of service was part of College Adjustment Peer (CAP), which is the orientation program for freshman and transfer students, explained Kari Oldfield, CAP leader.
All freshman are required to complete 20 hours of community service during their first year at Coe College, Kari explained.
Coe College students take a break from BRIGHTEN projects at Wellington House in the Wellington Heights Neighborhood on southeast Cedar Rapids.
Terry Bilsland, president of Wellington Heights Neighborhood Association, stopped by to check on the progress of BRIGHTEN activities. He told Julie Rochford, neighborhood outreach coordinator for Community Corrections Improvement Association, he had planned to paint but had to volunteer at his church.
"Let everyone know I appreciate what they're doing," Bilsland said.
Twenty owner-occupied homes had been targeted for BRIGHTEN projects this summer, but after mid-June record flooding, volunteers redirected their efforts to flood recovery.
Students from Coe College in Cedar Rapids spent Saturday, August 23 doing community service.
About 60 Coe students worked hard to take care of needs that existed prior to the flooding, including painting four southeast Cedar Rapids homes. The homeowners had received citations from the city for code violations, and BRIGHTEN volunteers work to help those who don't have supplies and equipment to paint, or aren't physically able to do the work alone.
AmeriCorps VISTA members often pitch in to organize and supervise BRIGHTEN events.
The day of service was part of College Adjustment Peer (CAP), which is the orientation program for freshman and transfer students, explained Kari Oldfield, CAP leader.All freshman are required to complete 20 hours of community service during their first year at Coe College, Kari explained.
Coe College students take a break from BRIGHTEN projects at Wellington House in the Wellington Heights Neighborhood on southeast Cedar Rapids.
Terry Bilsland, president of Wellington Heights Neighborhood Association, stopped by to check on the progress of BRIGHTEN activities. He told Julie Rochford, neighborhood outreach coordinator for Community Corrections Improvement Association, he had planned to paint but had to volunteer at his church.
"Let everyone know I appreciate what they're doing," Bilsland said.
