State of Repairs Blog
Posted on September 07, 2010 by jock pitts
Last week U.S. Department of Energy awarded People Working Cooperatively a $1.5 million grant for home weatherization work in Ohio. This is a significant milestone for PWC and the clients we serve. It is the first time PWC has received direct funding from the federal government – putting us amongst an elite group across the nation to receive such a grant. We are pleased to be selected for this program and honored to be entrusted with these significant dollars that will allow us to reach out and help many more needy homeowners with the energy conservation services they need to save on utility usage.
What makes this award so exciting is that it utilizes PWC’s unique method of leveraging DOE dollars with both private and public funds to provide a comprehensive, meaningful service for homeowners.
As has been our mission for the past 35 years, this money will go to the homeowners who need it most in the region. We’ll tighten up these homes to make them more efficient, blow in installation, replace furnaces and install high-efficiency equipment when appropriate. For those with natural gas, electric or other fuels sources, we will typically cut usage by at least 20 percent, saving the homeowner’s precious financial resources while curbing energy output and reducing pollution.
What does this mean for our clients? Homeowners who have had to face critical budget decisions – fix the furnace or buy medication and food – can worry just a little bit less. $1.5 million means we will be able to help at least 675 more local households stay warm this winter, directly benefiting the client and the community in an immediate, effective manner.
What does this mean for PWC? We are already growing an expanding into new territories and this grant will enable PWC to hire additional staff as well as recruit 100 volunteers to assist with the implementation of the program. More people equal more help for those who need it.
At PWC, we believe we can keep fragile low income homeowners living safely in the homes they love, benefitting not just the homeowner, but the community and the entire region. Our programs help to maintain safety and stability with quality, professional services.
In all, we are excited and energized by the DOE dollars and look forward to beginning this program in January 2011. Meanwhile, if you know someone who is in need of our home energy conservation and weatherization services, please give us a call at (513) 351-7921.
Posted on August 18, 2010 by pwcstaff
PWC was grateful when we learned that we had received a few grants to help with home repairs throughout the Tri-State. Earlier this summer, The Kentucky Enquirer helped us share the good news about Northern Kentucky home repairs with their readers.
Thanks again to those who have provided PWC with the resources to help homeowners and thanks to The Kentucky Enquirer for helping us share the good news!
Posted on August 05, 2010 by chris owens
At PWC, our mission guides everything that we do:
“People Working Cooperatively performs essential repairs and services so that low-income homeowners can remain in their homes, living independently in a safe and sound environment.”
Over the past 35 years, that’s just what we have done – helped thousands of our most vulnerable neighbors stay safely in their homes. Everyday, PWC’s development department and committee are focused on this effort.
Support to PWC comes in many forms – donations, sponsorships, volunteer time, and grants. In fact, PWC was recently awarded a few grants that will allow us to help more people in the areas we serve from Dearborn County all the way to Hamilton, Ohio.
PWC has been awarded the following six grants each to be used for specific programs but all while helping local homeowners:
--- $5,000 from the Dearborn Community Foundation County Progress Grant Program to provide emergency repairs for low-income homeowners in Dearborn County;
--- $25,000 from the City of Lawrenceburg Community Grant Program Phase 2 to be used for the whole house home repair program in Dearborn County;
--- $50,000 from the Weathering the Economic Storm Fund, a partnership of funders, managed by The Greater Cincinnati Foundation to provide assistance with emergency home repairs and energy conservation for low income homes in Northern Kentucky and Ohio;
--- $60,000 from the Northern Kentucky Family of Funds at The Greater Cincinnati Foundation to provide home repairs and modifications in Northern Kentucky;
--- $15,000 from The R.C. Durr Foundation, Inc. to provide home modifications in Northern Kentucky; and
--- $10,000 from the Hamilton Community Foundation to provide emergency home repairs for low-income homeowners in Hamilton.
We’re so grateful for the agencies that trust PWC to help meet this increased need. We see these grants as resources that we must carefully use in the most meaningful way so that the maximum number of homeowners is helped. At PWC, we deliver tremendous value to the homeowner we’re helping and to our funders.
From the bottom of our hearts, thank you to these agencies that have given us the resources to make even more of a difference in the community.
--- City of Lawrenceburg
--- Dearborn Community Foundation
--- Hamilton Community Foundation
--- The Greater Cincinnati Foundation
--- The R.C. Durr Foundation, Inc.
For the past few years, the economy has hit many families and the elderly hard. We’ve seen a great increase in demand for our services. It seems like for each homeowner we help, we see another two homeowners who need our assistance, too.
All of PWC’s funding has tremendous potential to transform lives in lasting and powerful ways. Financial support to PWC is directly benefiting someone through the building of a ramp for accessibility to move freely in and out of their home, to replace a roof that has been leaking for years and causing interior maintenance problems or helping a client to become energy smart and reduce their monthly energy costs.
In addition to PWC’s dedicated staff, we rely on donors and volunteers to give of their time and resources. But we also understand that in order to perpetuate and even enhance the programs and services which we offer the community, a marked increase in planned giving must occur.
I encourage you to look through our website and see the impact the services are having on our clients and the community. Please consider taking the next step and volunteer your time to help an elderly homeowner, or donate to help a neighbor with a ramp or other life-changing modification or repair.
Thank you for your support of PWC.
Posted on July 15, 2010 by jock pitts
The year 2009 represented a significant milestone for People Working Cooperatively. We expanded our energy conservation services into a third state, Indiana.
It’s significant, too, because this year PWC celebrates our 35th anniversary. Our growth is made possible because of your support and all of the tremendous help we’ve received in our local community.
In our 35 years, we’ve developed a business model of service that is efficient, cost effective and productive. We believe strongly that we are a business that provides a charity, a business that has a proven reputation of providing professional home repair and energy conservation services to those in need. The benefit to the community is profound, as demonstrated by the client stories in this report.
The work that PWC performs is needed. In our 35 years, we’ve learned how to provide those services in a professional manner that delivers tremendous value to the client, our funders, and the entire community. This is what’s needed in today’s housing arena, and we are ready to meet that need.
Our home is the Greater Cincinnati community, and our goal is to better strengthen and refine our mission work here. Looking ahead, we are evaluating broadening our scope of services into other communities. The need for PWC’s repair, energy conservation and modification services, and our unique delivery that utilizes both professionals and volunteers, literally allows people to remain safely in their homes. This service model and delivery system can be replicated in other areas across our country to cost effectively meet the needs of other low income homeowners.
I encourage you to consider taking the next step and volunteer your time to help an elderly homeowner, or donate to help a neighbor with a ramp or other life-changing modification or repair.
On behalf of the Board of Directors, our staff and all of our volunteers, I thank you for your dedication to PWC and look forward to your continued support.
Posted on June 29, 2010 by kim
Just finished up with the 2009 Annual Report. Lots of great stories and information. Look for your copy in the mail or e-mail sullivank@pwchomerepairs.org for your copy!
Posted on June 21, 2010 by pwcstaff
Our staff at PWC was able to make sure that World Changers, a church-driven volunteer project, was connected to the people in need throughout the Cincinnati region. Check out The Cincinnati Enquirer article about the good work that young people are doing in our communities.
We are so grateful for the generosity of volunteers - both young and old!
Posted on June 16, 2010 by shannan
PWC was thrilled when it got the good news last fall that we could begin helping our Indiana neighbors in addition to those in Ohio and Kentucky. Earlier this spring, The Business Courier chatted with PWC President Jock Pitts about extending our stay in Indiana.
Click here to read the entire article.
Posted on June 09, 2010 by shannan
PWC is so greatful for all of its amazing volunteers. The Cincinnati Enquirer recently stopped by to interivew 86 year old volunteer, Dick Allen. The former vice president of a scrap metal broker spoke with reporter Mark Curnutte about his experience volunteering, and the impact it's made on his life.
We'd like to thank Dick for his williness to share his story, and the past 20 years volunteering with us!
Click here to read the entire article.
Posted on June 02, 2010 by shannan
What are you doing Saturday, June 12th? PWC is in need of volunteers to help with home repair projects and would love your help! Skilled volunteers are need to assist with the following types of home repairs:
Home repair projects include the following:
--- Installing a new kitchen faucet, replacing a concrete steps, and repairing gutters;
--- Replacing broken window panes;
--- Construction of a small wood stoop, staining a front porch, misc. bathroom plumbing repairs and door repair;
--- Replacing a 2x4 handrail, staining a wood ramp and deck;
--- Repairing a wood walkway, replacing a basement door, and replacing a front door; and
--- Installing new drywall in kitchen and reinstalling kitchen cabinets.
If you can help, just visit www.pwchomerepairs.org or call Sara Bourgeois or Rachel Haffey at (513) 351-7921 to sign up.
Posted on May 18, 2010 by shannan
We'd like to thank everyone who helped make this year's Repair Affair event a big success. More than 800 people came together and helped 100 low-income, elderly and disabled home owners with critical home repairs. From volunteers and sponsors to our staff, everyone pulled together and made a real difference in the lives of neighbors in need.
Posted on May 06, 2010 by shannan
We've said it before, and we'll say it again. We couldn't do the amazing things we are able to without our dedicated volunteers. With Repair Affair taking place this weekend, we thougth it would be fun to put together a little video sharing some of the photos we've collected over the years as well as some fun facts about PWC, and specifically about Repair Affair.
We hope you enjoy it, and who knows, you just my see yourself in a picture! Click on the image below to view the video.
Posted on May 05, 2010 by shannan
As many of you know, this year PWC is celebrating it's 35th anniversary and you're invited to join us! This summer we're launching the 35 Days of Summer, a 35-day campaign encouraging community members to volunteer their time to help neighbors in need. Starting Saturday, May 8 and running through Saturday, June 12, PWC wants to help connect you with low-income and elderly neighbors across Greater Cincinnati, Northern Kentucky and Southeast Indiana who need assistance with simple home repairs.
The 35 Days of Summer event will officially kick off during Repair Affair this Saturday. Keeping its 35th anniversary year in mind, we want to continue the Repair Affair spirit throughout the summer.
“Repair Affair is an event that let’s us do a lot of good in one day, but in celebrating our 35th anniversary year, we wanted to extend that momentum,” said Jock Pitts, president of PWC. “There’s not a price you can put on the value of helping a less fortunate neighbor maintain their home. It’s something that not only improves their lives, but the lives of the entire community.”
In encouraging volunteerism throughout the summer, PWC has organized two days – Saturday, May 15 and Saturday, June 12 – in which volunteers can come together to help neighbors in need. Volunteers can come alone or organize a group to visit clients’ homes and help with simple home repairs and maintenance. PWC can also connect individuals and groups who cannot make one of those dates with opportunities to help.
“We want people to know that they can volunteer with us any time, any day,” said Kim Sullivan, PWC marketing communications manager. “The 35 Days of Summer campaign gives us a chance to remind people that we’re here, and we connect people who want to help with those who desperately need it.”
Groups and individuals who are interested in volunteer opportunities should contact Sara Bourgeois or Rachel Haffey at (513) 351-7921.
Posted on April 30, 2010 by shannan
We are excited to share that more than 800 volunteers have signed up to help homeowners in need through out 28th Annual Repair Affair event, sponsored by the City of Cincinnati and Home Depot. On Saturday, May 8, from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., PWC staff members and skilled volunteers will come together to help provide critical home repairs and modifications to nearly 100 low-income, elderly and disabled neighbors throughout Greater Cincinnati, Northern Kentucky and Southern Indiana.
This year marks the first time that residents in Indiana will be on the list for home improvements during Repair Affair. “Our expansion of Repair Affair into Indiana means we’ll be able to help even more neighbors whose homes are in need of repair,” said Jock Pitts, president of PWC. “We see this as proof that we’re doing things right at PWC, and Repair Affair is an event that let’s us do a lot of good for a lot of people and communities in just one day.”
Repair Affair tackles high-impact repair projects that are completed on a regular basis by PWC staff and volunteers but require the help of a large team to complete in one day. More skilled volunteers will help complete extensive repairs like gutter replacement, drywall, roofing, and installation of accessibility ramps, handrails and grab bars. Other volunteers will be completing simple tasks like yard work, washing windows and cleaning gutters.
Teams will be composed of individuals, families, businesses and community groups, including a group designated for young professionals.
Following the event, PWC invites volunteers to join other Repair Affair participants for a grill-out, complete with food, drinks, a PWC talent show and plenty of additional fun activities. The post-event will celebrate the day’s work and PWC’s kick-off into its 35th anniversary year.
PWC is still in need of volunteers exemplifying skills in the areas of carpentry, plumbing, masonry, electrical and drywall. Volunteers may register online at www.pwchomerepairs.org. There is an optional $10 donation for individuals, or $20 per family, to cover the costs of participant T-shirts and event registration. For more information, contact Sara Bourgeois or Rachel Haffey at (513) 351-7921.
Posted on April 09, 2010 by shannan
It's hard to believe it's that time of year again, but Repair Affair is just a few weeks away!
We are currently looking for skilled volunteers to join us on Saturday, May 8. From 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. That day PWC staff members and volunteers will help provide critical home repairs and modifications for 100 low-income, elderly and disabled homeowners throughout Greater Cincinnati, Northern Kentucky and southern Indiana.
Volunteers will help complete extensive repairs like gutter replacement, drywall, roofing, and installation of accessibility ramps, handrails and grab bars.
“Repair Affair is all about neighbors helping neighbors and helping preserve our communities,” said Jock Pitts, president of People Working Cooperatively. “It’s a great opportunity to come together as a community and help some of our most vulnerable neighbors with much-needed home repairs.”
Repair Affair teams will be composed of individuals, families, businesses and community groups. Following the event, volunteers will enjoy a grill-out, complete with food, drinks, a PWC talent show and plenty of additional fun activities. There is an optional $10 donation for individuals, or $20 per family, to cover the costs of participant T-shirts and event registration.
Registration deadline for volunteers is April 31, 2010. Registration is available online at www.pwchomerepairs.org or you can give Sara Bourgeois or Rachel Haffey a call at (513) 351-7921.
Posted on April 02, 2010 by shannan
Repair Affair is right around the corner, and we're looking for young professionals who want to team up and join a home repair crew! Join us Saturday May 8 at locations throughout greater Cincinnati, northern Kentucky and southern Indiana as we help our elderly and disabled neighbors with home repairs.
You'll be helping with everything from simple maintenance to ramp building, and you can work with your own crew of friends and co-workers or we will find a group for you! For more information or to sign up please visit
www.pwchomerepairs.com/repair affair or you can call Sara or Rachel at (513)351-7921 for more information! Repair Affair is sponsored by the City of Cincinnati, The Home Depot and other community organizations. For a complete list of sponsors or to volunteer, visit
www.PWChomerepairs.org.
Posted on April 02, 2010 by shannan
PWC's Oscar Night America 2010, Humana's "It Came From Hollywood", raised $130,000 for the Modifications for Mobility Program! The event featured WCPO's Steve Raleigh and Hagit Limor, screaming fans, silent auction and the Academy Awards Live on our giant screens. A paddle raiser for our client Clayton resulted in $23,000 alone!
Thanks to all of our sponsors, patrons, donors and volunteers for making this a very special evening for a very worthy cause.
For photos of the event, please visit People Working Cooperatively's
Facebook page!
Posted on February 24, 2010 by shannan
People Working Cooperatively is excited to announce the official hosts and hostesses for our Oscar Night America After Party:
* Tonia Murphy
* Jim Kromer
* Bridget and Todd Castellini
* Monika Roberts
* Kate Crossen
* Bob & Erin Schwartz
* Amy Scalia
Taking place Sunday, March 7 from 8p.m. to midnight, PWC invites supporters to attend Oscar Night America’s exclusive After Party at the Hilton Cincinnati Netherland Plaza. Part of the only official Oscar Night America Party in Cincinnati and sponsored by CincyChic.com, the fun, glamorous event will take place in the Carew Tower Arcade and hosts an It Came from Hollywood theme. Guests can watch the Oscars with their friends in a VIP Oscar Viewing room and will enjoy casino games, pinball and a beauty shop. Guests will also enjoy dancing with DJ DQ and The Cincinnati Bop Club & hula hooping with Shine Yoga Studio.
Proceeds raised during the It Came From Hollywood Oscar Night After Party event will directly benefit PWC’s Modifications for Mobility program.
Tickets for the Oscar Night After Party are $20 per person and are available for purchase at www.pwchomrepairs.org or by calling (513) 351-7921.
Posted on February 23, 2010 by shannan
People Working Cooperatively's 2010 Oscar Night America "It Came from Hollywood," auction is in it's third week! The online auction will run thru Friday, March 5th, with the live event taking place on March 7th, 2010.
PWC's Oscar Night America supports our mission to keep low-income elderly or disabled homeowners living in their homes through critical home repairs. Proceeds from our auction event will go to People Working Cooperatively's programs and services. So use the "refer a friend" button to tell your friends, family, and community. Get everyone in on the auction action!
Back for the second year the individual who refers the most friends wins a massage at a local studio! We're adding new items to our catalog as quickly as we receive them so keep checking back.
Can't attend the event on the 7th, but want to be a part of the action? Use our Proxy Bidding Feature. Proxy bidding allows you to continue to bid on an item that is going to our live event. You tell us just how much you are willing to spend on that perfect gift and we will assign a volunteer to bid incrementally on your behalf. Several online bidders were the happy winners at our live event last year, using the Proxy Bidding Feature!
Click here to start browsing and bidding!
Posted on February 11, 2010 by shannan
PWC is proud to announce the official sponsors of this year’s It Came From Hollywood, Cincinnati’s only official Oscar Night® America party. For the third consecutive year, Humana has signed on as the annual gala’s title sponsor. Presenting sponsors include Advanced Testing Laboratory Inc. and Macy’s; additional event sponsors include Citi, Fifth Third Bank, Focused Capitol Solutions LLC, Greenebaum Doll & McDonald PLLC, US Bank, Towers Watson, WCPO-TV, 55KRC, WNKU and CincyChic.com.
“We are so grateful to have the support of these local companies,” said Jock Pitts, president of PWC. “Their support literally translates into thousands of home repair services for low-income, elderly and disabled homeowners throughout the Tri-state.”
The 13th annual event will be held in conjunction with the Academy Awards on Sunday, March 7 from 5:30 p.m. to midnight at the Cincinnati Hilton Netherland Plaza. Humana’s It Came From Hollywood will be one of only 50 official parties sanctioned by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences held across the country on Oscar Night.
The five-star Hollywood evening includes a red carpet welcome, themed 50’s cocktails, a Hollywood crooner, movie characters, drive-in appetizers, and a three-course gourmet meal. Throughout the evening, guests will have the opportunity to participate in live and silent auctions and a raffle giveaway that includes a $5,000 cash prize, 42’’ LCD HDTV, and a romantic weekend dinner for two at the Hilton.
The night will also include a VIP After Party starting at 8:00 p.m. The party includes casino games, pinball, beauty shop and dancing with DJ DQ, plus a VIP Oscar viewing room and popcorn bar. Cost for the After Party for non-gala patrons is $20 at the door.
Tickets for Oscar Night are $150 per person and are available for purchase at www.pwchomrepairs.org or by calling (513) 351-7921.
Posted on February 02, 2010 by shannan
Why stay home and watch the Oscars when you can join us and support a good cause!
Posted on January 27, 2010 by shannan
Can you believe the 2010 Oscar Night America "It Came from Hollywood" party is just a little over a month a way? It's true and our online auction opens for bidding on February 5th, 2010 at 8:00 AM, Eastern Standard Time.
This year's Oscar Night's goal is to once again raise $130,000 to support our mission to keep low income homeowners safe in their homes by providing home repairs. We need your support! This is an exciting way to help our clients and PWC! At the same time you can have fun and a chance to win cool items.
Among items up for bid:
- * Two front and center tickets to Broadway
- * Sterling Silver Silpada Cha Cha ring
- * Two Baseball set: hand signed by Pete Rose & Nolan Ryan
Our catalog will become available for you to preview as the auction date approaches. You'll want to check back often to see what's new.
Posted on January 27, 2010 by shannan
We are pleased to announce the newest member of our team, Scott Duebber. Scott will be working in our accounting department.
Prior to joining PWC, Scott spent eight years working as an accounting analyst at Milacron, Inc. in Cincinnati. He received his accounting degree from the College of Mount Saint Joseph, where he was a graduate cum laude. Outside of work, he is an active member of Impact Church and serves as the Director of Worship Ministries.
Please join us in welcoming him to the PWC family.
Posted on January 27, 2010 by shannan
We are excited to announce the promotions of Bill Hitch to Development Manager and of Sara Bourgeois to Volunteer Program Manager.
Bill has been with PWC for two years and previously served as the Volunteer Program Manager. In his new role as Development Manager, his responsibilities will include developing planned giving and donor strategies, securing sponsorships for our three major fundraising events, including Oscar Night, Repair Affair and Prepare Affair, and representing PWC at various events throughout the community.
Sara has been with PWC since early 2006 and has significant experience working on modification and weatherization projects for our clients. As the Volunteer Program Manager, she will now oversee anywhere from 30 volunteers each day to several thousand for special events. Sara's responsibilities include matching volunteers to projects within the field and office, volunteer recruitment, coordinating volunteers for PWC's two largest events, Prepare Affair and Repair Affair, and managing client requests for minor repairs.
Congrats to Bill & Sara!
Posted on January 12, 2010 by shannan
People Working Cooperatively would like to thank the Humana Foundation for its generous $5,000 contribution. The gift will help us continue providing important services that help keep local residents safe in their homes.
The Humana Foundation’s contribution will help PWC’s efforts immediately by providing local families with services such as home repairs, weatherization, modification, and general maintenance.
From helping clients reduce energy costs and staying warm in their homes this winter to providing home modifications projects such as installing handicapped-accessible ramps, the grants and donations PWC receives, like that from the Humana Foundation, have enabled us to serve more than 175,000 clients over the past 34 years!
Posted on January 07, 2010 by shannan
Today the Cincinnati Business Courier announced the finalist's for it's Health Care Heros program and among the nominees was PWC's own John Hay! John, who manages the Modifications for Mobility program, is a finalist in the category of community outreach.
From the Business Courier's Web site: Health Care Heroes honors local health care organizations and professionals who have made an impact on health care in the community through their concern for patients, their research and inventions, their management skills, and their service to the poor and uninsured.
The awards ceremony will take place on March 4, from 6 - 9 p.m. at the Hyatt Regency downtown.
John is passionate about his job and the clients he helps everday and it's obvious to us all.
Congrats John!!
Posted on December 18, 2009 by shannan
It's hard to believe but Oscar Night is just around the corner (March 7th) and that means so is our Oscar Night America party. Themed "It Came From Hollywood" the black tie affair is once again set to be an amazing night! We hope you will each consider joining us.
Here are the details:
What: It Came From Hollywood, Cincinnati’s only official Oscar Night America party benefiting People Working Cooperatively.
When: Sunday, March 7, 2010; 5:30 p.m. – 12 a.m.
Where: Hilton's Carew Tower Arcade (35 West Fifth Street)
Cost: $150 per person; After party tickets available for $20; Raffle tickets: $25 each or 5/$100
Info: For general information, visit www.pwchomerepairs.org; For sponsorship information, contact Chris Owens at (513) 351-7921
The 13th Annual Oscar Night America gala, themed It Came From Hollywood, will benefit PWC, a non-profit organization providing critical home repair, weatherization and maintenance services to low-income and disabled homeowners in Southwestern Ohio, Indiana and Northern Kentucky. The March 7th gala is part of Oscar Night America (ONA) - the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (A.M.P.A.S.) official Oscar event.
PWC is the only organization to bring the real Academy Awards® to Cincinnati, live on a big screen. Held at the Carew Tower Arcade, the five-star Hollywood evening features a red carpet welcome, cocktails, entertainment, appetizers, a three-course gourmet meal, and emcees from WCPO-TV and the Academy Awards. Attendees are invited to participate in silent and live auctions, door prizes and raffles.
In 2009, PWC’s Oscar Night gala raised a record-breaking $130,000, placing it as one of the most successful Oscar Night events in the country. All proceeds will benefit People Working Cooperatively and its efforts to support local homeowners in need of critical home repair.
Posted on December 02, 2009 by shannan
Thousands of volunteers came out to help elderly tri-state homeowners at this year's Prepare Affair event. Here are a few pictures from the great day!
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Villa Madonna Academy came out in full force to help with this year's Prepare Affair event. The group had more than 50 volunteers (as young as 2.5 years old) and completed work for 9 elderly/disabled homeowners in Covington, KY.
Volunteers from the University of Cincinnati get ready to head out.
Schlueter Plumbing stops for a photo before heading out. Employees with Schlueter Plumbing have been participating in Prepare Affair event for more than 16 years.
More photos to come!
Posted on November 18, 2009 by shannan
Following a successful Prepare Affair event on Saturday, November 14th, PWC has experienced an increase in requests from elderly and disabled clients for assistance with light repairs and yard work. We are in need of volunteers to help in 20+ communities around Cincinnati. If you can help, we'd greatly appreciate it. Visit www.pwchomerepairs.org/prepareaffair for additional information and contact Sara Bourgeois at (513) 351-7921 to register.
When: Saturday, November 21, 2009:
8:30 a.m. Orientation
Work can be scheduled around availability
Where: People Working Cooperatively
4612 Paddock Rd. | Cincinnati, OH 45229
Multiple communities across Cincinnati:
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Cheviot
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Delhi Township
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Green Township
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Saylor Park
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Westwood
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Miami Township
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Harrison
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Northbend
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Whitewater Township
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Forest Park
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Springfield Township
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Lincoln Heights
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Reading
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Monroe
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Springboro
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Blanchester
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Glendale
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Sharonville
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Lockland
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Reading
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Woodlawn
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College Hill
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Madisonville
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Corryville
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Mt Auburn
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Over-The-Rhine
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Posted on November 02, 2009 by shannan
Employees and friends of People Working Cooperatively gathered in October to celebrate another successful year providing the Tri-State’s most low-income, elderly and disabled residents with critical home repairs. During the luncheon we recognized companies, organizations and individuals who have made major contributions, helping advance PWC’s causes.
This year’s award recipients included: The SC Ministry Foundation, PWC Chairperson’s Award; Chris Tanaka and Maureen Tierney, PWC Volunteer of the Year Award; and Schlueter Plumbing & David Lovekin, Friends of PWC Award.
Thank you to all of you for supporting PWC. We couldn't do the work we do without you!
Posted on September 24, 2009 by shannan
A big thank you to the Cincinnati Business Courier and to the Cincinnati Enquirer for their coverage of People Working Cooperatively over the last week.
1) If you missed it, last Friday's Business Courier included an article on PWC and our expansion into Indiana. You can read the article here - "Cincinnati's People Working Cooperatively will expand into Indiana with grant funds"
2) Today when you pick up the Cincinnati Enquirer you'll find a touching article by reporter Cliff Radel on our client Jim Walls. Jim needed help getting his back yard and garage cleaned up and PWC volunteers were able to lend a hand. You can read the article here - "Hissing possum adds spark to cleanup."
Posted on September 14, 2009 by shannan
It's one of the largest volunteer events in the region... and it's coming to your neighborhood!
People Working Cooperatively's 22nd Annual Prepare Affair, presented by Lowe's, is Saturday, November 14, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. It's the Tri-state's largest single-day community volunteer event, which helps prepare homes in Greater Cincinnati, Northern Kentucky, and portions of Indiana for the long winter months ahead.
Last year, even a rainy day couldn't keep away the more than 3,000 individuals who raked leaves and cleaned gutters for their most fragile neighbors. The hardy volunteers helped more than 1,000 elderly homeowners clear their home repair checklists before the start of winter.
Prepare Affair is an extension of what PWC's dedicated group of employees and volunteers do on a daily basis to help their clients live safely in their homes. Following the day's work, Prepare Affair volunteers are invited to PWC to enjoy a Chili Fest, provided by US Foods and Kroger, and free chair massages, courtesy of Massage Envy.
Other 2009 Prepare Affair sponsors include the City of Cincinnati, Duke Energy, Hubert, Toyota, Church of the Redeemer, AT&T TelecomPioneers, Mt. Washington Presbyterian Church, Scripps Howard Foundation and Viox Services. To register as a volunteer for this year's event, visit the Events page at www.pwchomerepairs.org/prepareaffair and sign up before the Oct. 26 deadline.
Posted on September 04, 2009 by shannan
We are excited to officially welcome three additions to our Board of Directors - Johnna Reeder of Duke Energy, India Davis of Spirit of America National Bank, and Mary Christensen of Christensen Christensen Donchatz Kettlewell & Owens, LLP.
Reeder, of Covington, KY, was recently honored as Northern Kentucky's 2008 Outstanding Woman Emerging Leader. She currently serves as the Regional Communications and Public Affairs Official for Duke Energy in Ohio and Kentucky and was previously employed at Fortune 500 companies like Citigroup and The Kroger Company. She is active in several community and service organizations, including Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Legacy, the Greater Cincinnati Foundation, and the United Way's Young Leaders Society.
Davis, of Cincinnati, has more than 20 years of management, sales and training experience. Her current role as Community Reinvestment Act officer for Spirit of America National Bank lends her the opportunity to ensure the Bank's involvement and dedication to programs that positively affect the lives of low- and moderate-income individuals and families in the local community. Davis's involvement in The Over the Rhine Community Housing Board of Directors allows her to be active in community focused associations such as the Tri-State Habitat for Humanity, Clermont Community Bankers and Greater Cincinnati Urban League.
Christensen held positions in the U.S. House of Representatives before picking up a "second" career in law, which she practiced for several years as a partner at Bricker & Eckler LLP. There, she practiced in the areas of public utility business and regulation and computer and Internet law, actually pioneering the cyberlaw practice at Bricker & Eckler in 1995. She is currently a partner at Christensen of Christensen Christensen Donchatz Kettlewell & Owens. She has served the community in varying capacities over the years, including contributions to the Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Garden, the Columbus Chamber Music Society and the National Wildlife Federation-Ohio climate change project.
We hope you'll join us in thanking them for their time and dedication to PWC!
Posted on September 01, 2009 by shannan
PWC's Modifications for Mobility is a critical program, targeting complicated home modification projects that are typically too expensive for its low-income, disabled clients. Modifications made under this program assist some of our most vulnerable clients, improving their daily mobility and independence.
If you picked up the Clermont Community Press paper last week you may have seen the article on 87 year old Ruth Baker. Ms. Baker contacted PWC 4 years ago for help. At that time Ms. Baker struggled to get out of her home. She suffered from lung disease, and had to be on oxygen at all times. In addition to her lung disease, Ms Baker had had two knee replacements which made it extremely hard for her to move about and almost impossible for her to get up and down her front steps.
PWC helped Ms. Baker by installing a lift. This gave her freedom and enabled her to leave her house easily and on her own.
You can read more about Ms. Baker, here.
Posted on August 24, 2009 by shannan
If you happen to read the Middletown Journal you may have noticed an article on one of our clients, Joyce Burns.
Mrs. Burns is a mild diabetic and had difficulty getting around her kitchen and bathroom. PWC was able to help her get around her home by remodeling her bathroom, removing a wall and bathtub, then adding a shower. We also helped her get around better in her kitchen by replacing her kitchen sink and cabinets.
You can read the full article, here.
Posted on August 05, 2009 by shannan
People Working Cooperatively is excited to announce Cynthia Blockson of Mt. Lookout and Jeanne Houck-Thomas of Maineville as the chairpersons for the 2010 Oscar Night America gala.
Both are long-time supporters of PWC and the annual gala, having served on the planning committee since 2000. Over the years, Cynthia and Jeanne have played large roles in coordinating the entertainment, decorations, volunteers, auction items and much more to help make the Oscar Night America party the five-star Hollywood evening it is today in the city of Cincinnati.
Next year, PWC will celebrate its 13th year hosting the Oscar Night America party, scheduled to take place on Sunday, March 7, 2010. The event, which will evoke the theme "It came from Hollywood," will be one of only 52 official parties sanctioned by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences held across the country on Oscar Night.
More details about this year's Oscar Night America party will be coming soon to http://pwchomerepairs.org/events/annual-main-events.aspx.
Posted on August 03, 2009 by shannan
If you missed our Build the Ramp Kick off event in July, check out these great photos. For more information on the Build the Ramp or on getting involved, visit www.buildtheramp.com
Freekbass kicks off the festivities
PWC president Jock Pitts welcomes the crowd
Councilmember Chris Bortz, Fifth Third's Chris Bell and Jock Pitts
Volunteers from Fifth Third Bank constructed a ramp on Fountain Square
Skateboarders from Ollies Skate Park in Florence performed