LIV North: Donates Outdated Service Vehicles to Homeless Cars
When 14 of LIV North’s service vehicles commercial lives came to an end the leadership team knew they had a useful purpose for someone.
So the leadership team at LIV North coordinated a donation to Homeless Cars, a Canadian charitable foundation that accepts used vehicles and donates the proceeds of their sale to food banks and local food shelters.
Read moreCalifornia Closets: Transforms a multi-use space at transitional home in Phoenix
For individuals or families facing a domestic crisis, a next step can be terrifying. So often, people feel paralyzed, not knowing where to turn for help. That’s where Mesa, AZ-based A New Leaf’s Autumn House program comes in.
 The dated multi-purpose room lacked warmth and personality before the California Closets team arrived |
 The California Closets team transformed a dreary space into a warm, inviting area for residents to use |
L-R: Aaron Pieratt, PHX Sales Manager; Amy Wenger, Local ASID Chapter President; and Janet Hutchinson, PHX GM. Note: This project was completed prior to COVID
Before the COVID-19 pandemic took hold of the country – and world – California Closets of Phoenix assisted in transforming a multi-use space at Autumn House so that it could better serve its transitional residents.
Phoenix GM Janet Hutchinson and team were converted a social room into a warm, welcoming, and peaceful place for residents to go to for social and life skills activities. This area is used for residents to receive coaching on everything from high school GEDs and college diplomas to employment, healthy lifestyles, and adult self-sufficiency.
In addition, California Closets built out a beautiful new media center where a large screen TV, books, and reference materials could be stored. Hanging barn door sliders were added to conceal the television when not in use.
Autumn House has been providing safe shelter to the community for almost 40 years and was the East Valley’s first domestic violence shelter. It operates 24/7 in a confidential location, accepting survivors all times of the year.
“We are so proud to have been a part of this amazing project,” said Janet, “and to support men and women in our community who have been affected by domestic violence.”
Janet and her team display what it truly means to design better lives, and bring California Closet’s CREDO to life.
Poolman and All Florida Pools Provide Necessities to Homeless Citizens
During the recent holiday season, team members at Poolman and All Florida Pools came up with a novel way to make a difference for homeless members of their communities. Technicians in Florida, Phoenix, Tucson, San Diego, Texas and Las Vegas were given bags and backpacks containing essential supplies including personal hygiene items, socks, water and certain proteins for food. During their routes, they distributed these bags to homeless community members.“I have always believed that it is better to Give… Give… Give… before you Get… Get… Get…! Having served on a board that serves the homeless population, I gained first hand knowledge of the critical state that this group lives in on a day-to-day basis,” said President, Residential Aquatics, Vic Valentine. “These are not just homeless people; they are sons, daughters, mothers, and fathers. What a better idea than to rally the troops and not only give to individuals in need, but also serve together for a greater purpose than ourselves. Serving the homeless is a great life lesson in humility as well!”In total, 672 bags were distributed, making our homeless community members more comfortable and showing them that people care about their wellbeing.
LIVunLtd: Providing Daily Necessities for Our Community’s Homeless
American Pool: Helping Improve Food Security for Families in Need in Long Island
FirstService Residential: California Office Outreach Activity Promotes Mindfulness and Teamwork
As part of the 2018 FirstService California Annual Meeting, associates gathered in Irvine, California to celebrate the growth and accomplishments achieved in 2017 by the region’s approximate 1,000 Associates. Attendees participated in a fun outreach activity which involved building 50 care packages for families who have been displaced by fires, homelessness or emergency situations.
According to one Associate who was attending their first Annual Meeting, “it was heartwarming to see our people work together with such care and thoughtfulness to create a basket that will offer hope to people going through a difficult time.”
The activity was fitting in that it reflected the theme of the day: Our Future Starts with Us. We work in teams, made up of individuals, who are making a difference in the lives of each other, our company, our clients, and the communities and residents that we serve. Each regional team was responsible for bringing one of ten items that were included in the Welcome Home Baskets (candles, board games, decorative item, broom/dust pan, first aid kit, etc).
The event was a tremendous success!
FirstService Corporation: Distributes food, supplies and companionship with Ve’ahavta in Toronto
This past week, 3 members of FirstService Corporation teamed up with Ve’ahavta to distribute food, drinks, supplies and most importantly companionship for 6 hours on a brisk February evening. This night is 1 of 3 planned over the next several months for FirstService to get involved. Some Statistics:- Over 235,000 Canadians experience homelessness in a year, including over 5,000 in Toronto alone (Toronto has the 2nd highest homeless population of any Canadian city).
- Approximately 1,350 chronically homeless people die each year in Canada, with an average life expectancy of 39.
- by providing health supports, referrals to shelters, and essential supplies, we can meet the basic physical needs of homeless or under-housed individuals, and we can ensure their safety.
- by providing consistent, frequent, and compassionate service, we can decrease social isolation, and build trusting relationships that provide the emotional support needed to create change.
- by engaging and educating volunteers, we can raise consciousness about homelessness, reduce the stigmatization of the homeless, and inspire people to seek solutions to end homelessness.
Waj H. (Analyst, Risk and Compliance) describes his experience as “eye-opening”. “It made me recognize how fortunate I am to have everything I need, and perhaps I shouldn’t complain about the small inconveniences in my life. I could go on and on, but overall I’m thankful I had the opportunity to give back, connect and appreciate how fortunate I really am. Thank you to Ryan B. (Director, Finance) for organizing.”If anybody in the Toronto area ever wants to get involved with this great program, feel free to learn more here.