metro >> on the cover Project Build! JFS and Building Industry Association partner to help those in need of home repair. Diane Traurig's small bathroom before Project Build! started its work rowl,IfTg r i For two months, the bathroom project engaged 20 local businesses and received more than $15,000 in donated funds, in- kind labor and supplies. The project was coordinated by volunteer Gordy Oliva, CAPS, Certified Graduate Remodeler (CGR) of Gordy Oliva Remodeling/Go Barrier Free. Oliva lives in Huntington Woods and felt especially motivated to help someone so close to home. "I am grateful to have had the opportu- nity to impact a neighbor's life in such a significant way:' he said. "It is some of the most satisfying work I've done. "It has been a challenging job',' he said, "and required a lot of meticulous planning to determine exactly what labor would be needed, exactly what supplies were required and who would volunteer to donate each element. Even the architectural design was a donated service." More Projects Coming While BIA was able to draw in many of the volunteers to work on this and the other Project Build! jobs, the organization's Charitable & Educational Foundation also Traurig's new, expanded, barrier-free bathroom Project Build! steering committee Continued from page 1 At the suggestion of Richard Cherkasky, who is deeply committed to JFS and the Building Industry Association of Southeastern Michigan (BIA) and serves on each group's board of directors, the two organizations have partnered to form Project Build! In just eight months, Project Build! has helped nine families and individuals who lack the resources to have home repairs done on their own. One of those was Diane Traurig of Huntington Woods, whose MS restricts her to a wheelchair. Her barrier- free bathroom was completed recently. "It was horrible; I couldn't move at all in my old bathroom',' Traurig said. "I will now have space that will allow for me to move around my bathroom freely, without any obstacles. I am so grateful, so grateful." Cherkasky, owner of the Richard Group and a Certified Aging-In-Place Specialist 10 May 26 • 2011 (CAPS), has built and remodeled hundreds of homes in southeastern Michigan. He was especially glad to have made the match between two organizations important in his life. "In my eyes, it was a natural fit',' he said. "I have worked in building and remodeling for over 35 years. I know my colleagues are generous and need a way to feel good about their work right now What better way to gain some satisfaction than by helping someone in need? "And I am awestruck by how JFS never says no to a client in need:' he said. "I thought it would be great to match my con- nection to BIA with JFS to see what the two could accomplish together." The biggest Project Build! job to date has been the expansion and remodeling of Traurig's bathroom to accommodate her wheelchair, which made the cramped bath- room inaccessible. members: Richard Cherkasky, Gordy Oliva and Michael Stoskopf donated $5,000, which was earmarked for this job in particular. Michael Stoskopf, CEO of BIA, said, "Our association is fortunate to have so many well-qualified and caring individuals in our membership. I am pleased that BIA has joined with JFS in this important endeavor and proud of the accomplishments of our members." Michelle Malamis, JFS development asso- ciate, has been instrumental in coordinat- ing efforts between JFS and BIA. "Many of these jobs will help our clients continue to live independently in their homes:' she said. "We greatly appreciate the generosity and support of BIA and all of the volunteers who have helped our clients. The value of these jobs is more than $25,000 in supplies and labor, most of which has been donated by the volunteers." Now Home Depot has joined Project Build! This summer, staff from the Home Depot store in Commerce Township will donate time to repair all flooring, paint, windows, doors and lighting for a severely hearing-impaired woman; the Home Depot Foundation awarded JFS a $5,5000 grant to support this project. Following that project, BIAs Professional Women in Building Council has committed funding and their expertise to support a Project Build! job that will help a woman in need of home repairs. Steering committee members for Project Build! are Richard Cherkasky, the Richard Group; Michael Gordon, Moiseev/ Gordon Associates; Brad Hinkson, Hinkson Construction; Ron Jedwab, Lincorp; Gordy Oliva, Gordy Oliva Remodeling/Go Barrier-Free; Norm Finkelstein, Norwood Companies; Michael Stoskopf, BIA. JFS will honor BIA and Project Build! volunteers at the JFS Annual Meeting and Recognition Event on June 2 at the Jewish Community Center in West Bloomfield. A dessert reception will be held at 7 p.m., with the presentations following. Admission is free. For information or to make a reser- vation, call Lori Drucker, (248) 592-2339 or go online to www.jfsannualmeeting.org . Susan Adler Shanteau is BIA vice president of communications and staff liaison for Project Build! Volunteers Needed Diane Traurig of Huntington Woods and Gordy Oliva of Project Build! Project Build! is looking for more volunteers to help with upcoming jobs for JFS clients. BIA members in all aspects of the industry are urged to help on upcoming jobs. Any industry professional interested in helping can call (248) 862-1016 or email susanas@builders.org .