Rooted in the central Virginia construction industry, Building Goodness Foundation builds and renovates quality structures that deliver health care, education, and specialized housing. We partner with other nonprofits to serve impoverished communities in Virginia, Haiti, and Central America. For more information: www.buildinggoodness.org
Volume XXVIII Summer 2013 In this issue: Homes and trees: Putting down roots in Haiti p. 2 Upcoming projects p. 4 - 5 Volunteer Spotlight: Dan Fagan p. 6 Building Goodness in April Recap p. 6 Building Goodness Foundation building community and improving lives Scaffolding for the Future As all builders know, taking time to care for construction equipment ensures long-term efficiency and sustainability. This summer, we celebrate two milestones that are excellent scaffolding for BGF’s future. Our first Haitian Field Manager: Since the Haitian earthquake of 2010, BGF has employed more than 120 Haitian workers and thus supported hundreds in their families. Haitians have labored side-by-side with volunteers and they continue the work when volunteers return to the States. But to date, all Haitians have been supervised by American Field Managers. The day has come to include Haitians in our supervisory staff. Currently in training is Daniel Lalanne, BGF’s first Haitian Field Manager. Field Managers Mary Butcher and Ethan Tate have worked closely with Daniel to construct more than 200 “ti-kays” (little homes) in the last two years, and have recognized his skill and leadership. Daniel, a former school teacher, will replace Mary in June as the Field Manager overseeing three teams of Haitians, scheduled to build 400 more ti-kays in the next three years. A New Home for BGF: Since beginning in 1999, BGF operations have been based in borrowed or rented spaces, always in search of rooms for meetings and trainings. Thanks to some generous designated donations, on June 5th, we purchased a lot on Carlton Road, close to the corner of Market Street and Meade Avenue. It is a remarkable opportunity to design and build a space tailor-made for volunteer trainings and support. Please join us on July 19th! The 2013 Volunteer Celebration will take place on the site of the new office, on Carlton Road. I can think of no better way to honor those who have committed years of skill and vision to make BGF progress possible. A warm welcome to BGF’s newest field manager, Daniel Lalanne. By Kelly Eplee, Executive Director
Transcript
Volume XXVIIISummer 2013
In this issue:
Homes and trees: Putting down roots in Haiti
p. 2
Upcomingprojects
p. 4 - 5
Volunteer Spotlight: Dan Fagan
p. 6
Building Goodness in April Recap
p. 6
Building Goodness Foundationbuilding community and improving lives
Scaffolding for the FutureAs all builders know, taking time to care for construction equipment ensures long-term efficiency and sustainability. This summer, we celebrate two milestones that are excellent scaffolding for BGF’s future.
Our first Haitian Field Manager: Since the Haitian earthquake of 2010, BGF has employed more than 120 Haitian workers and thus supported hundreds in their families. Haitians have labored side-by-side with volunteers and they continue the work when volunteers return to the States. But to date, all Haitians have been supervised by American Field Managers.
The day has come to include Haitians in our supervisory staff. Currently in training is Daniel Lalanne, BGF’s first Haitian Field Manager. Field Managers Mary Butcher and Ethan Tate have worked closely with Daniel to construct more than 200 “ti-kays” (little homes) in the last two years, and have recognized his skill and leadership. Daniel, a former school teacher, will replace Mary in June as the Field Manager overseeing three teams of Haitians, scheduled to build 400 more ti-kays in the next three years.
A New Home for BGF: Since beginning in 1999, BGF operations have been based in borrowed or rented spaces, always in search of rooms for meetings and trainings. Thanks to some generous designated donations, on June 5th, we purchased a lot on Carlton Road, close to the corner of Market Street and Meade Avenue. It is a remarkable opportunity to design and build a space tailor-made for volunteer trainings and support.
Please join us on July 19th! The 2013 Volunteer Celebration will take place on the site of the new office, on Carlton Road. I can think of no better way to honor those who have committed years of skill and vision to make BGF progress possible.
A warm welcome to BGF’s newest field manager, Daniel Lalanne.
By Kelly Eplee,Executive Director
Homes and Trees: Putting Down Roots in Haiti
How does Building Goodness Foundation, which grew out of the Charlottesville construction industry, help fight deforestation and support sustainable agriculture in Haiti?
Building Goodness Foundation partners with CODEP (Comprehensive Development Project) to provide homes for Haitian families reforesting their country. Mr. and Mrs. Vernet Pierre, who have worked with CODEP for the past five and a half years, lead one such family. The more the Pierres plant, the more incentives they earn —one of which is a “kay,” or “home,” built by BGF volunteers and Haitian crews.
As deforestation is a major issue in Haiti, the lush CODEP fields and forests provide a stark contrast with the bare land around them. The Pierres first planted rows of vetiver grass and eucalyptus trees on the deforested mountainside. These hold the soil in place, reducing erosion and allowing fertile soil to develop. Next, they plant a wide variety of plants and trees—mango, avocado, soursop, oak, sour apple, chocolate, coffee, lime, orange, papaya, and more. Together, Mr. and Mrs. Pierre have planted between 5,500 and 8,800 trees.
The Pierres take some of their produce and coffee to market in Dekouze and Tongato, and share the rest with friends and family, including four children aged 13 to 21, as well as four nieces and nephews. The Pierres would like to continue working towards other CODEP incentives, including paint for their house, gutters, a cistern, and a concrete floor.
Vincent Baudoin, our Field Manager who supervised the construction of the Pierres’ kay, shared the following: “Mr. Pierre wanted to express his sincere thanks for the house and God’s blessings for me, the Caesar family, and all the others who helped provide the house. ... We had barely finished construction when they began planning to hang curtains and find places to store clothes. Throughout our time there, they, like all the CODEP families I have met, were very kind, helpful, self-sacrificing, and earnest in their appreciation for their new kay.”
Some of the crops the Pierres planted to earn their kay; Mr. Pierre and his daughter, Mikaela; the truss from the kay - reflecting the trees planted to earn the home; the kay itself; the family and crew. Thanks to the family and Vincent Baudoin for sharing the story and photos.
p. 2 building community, improving lives
www.buildinggoodness.org p. 3
Recent Projects
ST. PIERRE CATHOLIC CHURCHSt. Pierre Catholic Church served the rural Diklo community since 1979 until its destruction in the 2010 earthquake. Parishoners have been enthusiastically volunteering their time to reconstruct the church, working alongside foreman Litus and BGF Field Manager Michael Anello. This crew reported no major construction difficulties and extended their gratitude to BGF - a feeling which is mutual, as their help was essential to rebuilding the church.
In addition to worship services for 150 congregants, St. Pierre Church hosts community meetings and classes for children under age 15. Many families from BGF’s partner organization, CODEP, attend the church. The church was completed in time for the Feast Day of St. Pierre.
Jameson serves as a translator; Edvy is a leader in CODEP. Madame Ily carried concrete and, along with Madame Jeanette, cooked for ten to twenty-five workers each day.
Below: Some of the parishoners who built their church, Jameson, Edvy, Madame Ily, Litus, Madame Jeanette, and Damas.
ROCKFISH VALLEY COMMUNITY CENTER
Since it’s never too early to start volunteering with BGF, Bruce Watchel’s granddaughter takes the wheel.
The Rockfish Valley Community Center hosts arts, cultural, and community-building events, ranging from blood drives to sock hops. BGF volunteers recently lent their hands to work on the RVCC’s roof. Photo at far left courtesy of Blue Ridge Life magazine.
MATTAPONI CLASSROOMContinuing our longest-running local partnership with this reservation outside of Richmond, volunteers transform an old pottery room into a classroom.
p. 2 building community, improving lives
VPM: Dan Fagan / Architect: Fred Wolf / Engineer: Steve Barber
With our long-time partner CODEP (Comprehensive Development Project), we’re building a depot to serve as a vibrant community-based economic center. The building will provide space for the production of coffee, mangoes, avocadoes, and textiles; storage for tree-planting supplies; and serve as a produce market. The Depot will also host micro-business development activities, providing training in business development, accounting, and economics. It will also be used as a meeting place for the CODEP animators, group leaders for the different CODEP regions.
COMMUNITY DEPOT
VPM: Mary Butcher / Architect: Mike Stoneking
150 TI-KAYS IN 2013: OUR PARTNER ORGANIZATIONS
SIUNA HOSPITAL
June
p. 4 building community, improving lives
VPMs: Michael Gallahue & Dave WheatleyServing Virginia’s First People, Mattaponi is one of the oldest reservations in the U.S. After nearly a decade of renovation and construction projects, Mattaponi is also BGF’s longest-running local partner. This June, we’ll finish converting an old pottery room into a new classroom.
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Field Manager: Vincent Baudoin
BGF volunteers build incentive “kays,” 12”x20” homes for Haitian families participating in education, reforestation, or agricultural initiatives through CODEP (Comprehensive Development Project).
INCENTIVE KAYS
July
Partnering with Bridges to Community, BGF crews have advised the drilling of a well, repaired plumbing on dozens of bathrooms, rebuilt a bio-waste incinerator, and trained hospital staff in proper operations. In July, volunteers will oversee the final phase of a waste-sorting station and consider future projects.
Haitian crews are on-track to construct 400 ti-kays, or “little homes,” over the next three years. The ti-kays serve communities actively engaged in sustainable economic empowerment, literacy, and educational initiatives.
Carribbean Harvest supports community aquaculture initiatives, providing both employment and a nutritional, locally-harvested food source. The Carribbean Harvest ti-kays will house families living adjacent to a large brackish lake in Haiti, as they establish a tilapia farm.
To volunteer internationally: Contact Courtney Polk, [email protected] / 434.973.0993
HAITI
NICARAGUA
VPM: Robin Joslin / Architect: Antonio Martinez Engineer: Garrick Louis
GUATEMALA
EL SALVADOR
MATTAPONI CLASSROOM
VIRGINIA
VPM: Martin Quarles Architect: Russell Skinner Engineer: Luis Realegeño
UVa’s Nursing Students without Borders has raised $80,000 towards the completion of a Red Cross Medical Clinic in San Sebastian, El Salvador. BGF is raising the remaining $40,000. The Architect, Engineer and Volunteer Project Manager have drawn up plans and schedules.
RED CROSS MEDICAL CLINIC
VPM: Michael Gallahue / Architect: Sarah HarperIn the Fondwa region of rural Haiti, where health care is scarce and infant mortality is high, BGF will partner with Family Health Ministries to construct a women’s health and education center.
WOMEN’S HEALTH AND EDUCATION CENTER
p. 4 building community, improving lives www.buildinggoodness.org p. 5
VPMs: Mike Gallahue and J.D. DivenBarrett is the oldest daycare in Virginia, and has a rich history of serving Charlottesville’s low-income communities. BGF volunteers will replace a dilapidated wooden fire escape on this century-old building with a long-lasting, steel escape.
BARRETT EARLY LEARNING CENTER
August SeptemberPlanning Phases
BGiAutumn deepens our partnership with UVa-Darden School of Business students. Each fall,we’ll renovate one additional low-incomehome. Work will be similar to Building Goodness in April, but on a smaller scale.
Build Day: September 28th
BUILDING GOODNESS IN AUTUMN
VPM: Jack Horn Architect: Rob WinsteadTo upgrade a school in the Guatemalan mountains, BGF is partnering with the Ixatan Foundation. The Ixatan school is one of two high schools within a hundred mile radius, and trains future teachers from Guatemala’s indigenous communities.
VPM: Robin Joslin / Architect: Antonio Martinez Engineer: Garrick Louis
RAPADEJET is a small, Haitian-run non-governmental organization promoting reforestation and other agricultural activities in Gerard.
Functional Literacy Ministry provides education and health care to communities in Croix-des-Bocquet, and BGF is partnering with them to build kays.
GIZ works with Haitians with mental or physical disabilities. BGF is building 100 kays in Léogâne to reward families for their participation in recycling and other community initiatives.
Funding pendingBGF volunteers build incentive “kays,” 12”x20” homes for Haitian families participating in education, reforestation, or agricultural initiatives through CODEP (Comprehensive Development Project).
INCENTIVE KAYS IXATAN SCHOOL UPGRADES
To volunteer locally: Contact Dallas Branum, [email protected] / 434.973.0993
Casa Alma provides stable housing to families transitioning out of homelessness. BGF volunteers will replace the roof on one of their homes.
CASA ALMA
Volunteer Spotlight: Dan Fagan
p. 6 building community, improving lives
Few of us volunteer with the same organization for nearly a decade, but Building Goodness Foundation is thrilled to have one such dedicated volun-teer in Dan Fagan.
In 2004, Howard Pape and Jay Kessler introduced Dan to BGF. Dan, a builder at Alexander Nicholson, soon volunteered with Christmas in April (now Building Goodness in April), overseeing renovations on a local home. Every year since, Dan has served as a construction lead for a house, collabo-rating with student leaders from the University of Virginia’s Darden School of Business.
Dan’s volunteerism extends beyond Charlottesville, however. He’s also worked extensively in Haiti, helping construct an incentive kay, building five “ti kays” (small homes) in a week, and working on Boutilliers Church. Currently, Dan is serving as the Volunteer Project Manager on the CODEP Depot, which will serve as a community market place, education center, and business training center for the people of the CODEP community.
Dan credits strong relationships as the reason for his continued involvement with BGF — “a lot of it is the camrade-rie and the people. I really enjoy BGF’s relationships with partner organizations like CODEP and Darden.” In the past few months, Dan’s helped BGF strengthen these ties with local partners, deepening a partnership between Darden students, BGF, and the Albemarle Housing Improvement Program (AHIP) that will ultimately yield more referrals to Building Goodness in April and Building Goodness in Autumn. Dan’s also looking forward to volunteering in coun-tries besides Haiti. As he’s recently joined BGF’s Board of Directors, we hope he’ll stick around for the next ten years.
WAHOO!
200 DARDEN VOLUNTEERSLed by 26 Darden Student House Captains
100 CONSTRUCTION PROS Coordinated by Building Goodness Foundation&
one playground for families in a Habitat for Humanity neighborhood
six homes for neighbors who couldn’t otherwise afford the upkeep
one residential facility for men transitioning out of jail
On Saturday, April 13,
together renovated:
Building Goodness in April
2013 Cornerstone CompaniesBuilding Goodness Foundation is honored to receive the support of some of our industry’s most generous companies and individuals. Annual nominations for the Cornerstone Society are made upon receiving $5,000 or more in a sponsored service or a cash donation in a single calendar year. BGF recognizes the following:
Builders’ SocietyBuilding Goodness thanks our Builders’ Society members, supporters who have made a three-year financial commitment to support our mission to build community and improve lives.
Founders’ CircleThe following individuals are Founders’ Circle members due to their extreme generos-ity of money, time and spirit. Membership is reserved for founders and supporters who have a given more than $100,000 throughout their lifetimes.
Bama Works Fund of the Dave Matthews Band Dorothy Batten Blue Moon Fund Michael Cernik Joe and Linda Daniel
Lawson Drinkard Oakwood Foundation Howard PapeJack StonerBill and Nancy Wardle
Our Core ValuesBuilding quality projects that are generative and enduring
Transformational experience
Communities; healthy, viable and interconnected
Collaborative volunteer service
Craftsmanship and design
Human beings and their cultures
Excellence in our organization and its outcomes
Board of DirectorsMike Stoneking, President J.D. Diven, Vice President Mason Brugh, Treasurer Diane Hillman, SecretaryStan Binsted Richard Busofsky Michael Cernik Athena EastwoodDan FaganSusan FraimanBrian Gooch
PO Box 4325 Charlottesville, VA 22905 434.973.0993
Building Goodness Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organiza-tion incorporated in Virginia and registered with the IRS as a charitable organization. All donations are tax deductible.
p. 6 building community, improving lives
Alexander Nicholson, Inc.Barton Malow CompanyBetter Living, Inc.Cathcart GroupCadwalader, Wickersham & Taft, L.L.P.CMS, Inc.Greer & AssociatesHantzmon Wiebel, L.L.P.Martin Horn, Inc.
Oakwood FoundationR.E. LeeShank & Gray Architects Shelter Associates Ltd.Shelton & Company, CPAs, P.C. Stoneking / Von Storch ArchitectsUVA Department of EnglishUVA-McIntire School of Commerce
AGC-Virginia Piedmont DistrictAnonymousStan BinstedSteve & Mary BurnsRichard BusofskyMike & Irene CernikConboy Duke Foundation Joe & Linda DanielJohn (J.D.) DivenAthena EastwoodAllen and Lori Feezor
Kevin and April FletcherDaniel FortSusan FraimanAnne HooffJack and Hillary HornTony and Laura IgnaczakRebecca Keese and Robert GraySusan and L.F. PayneMarianne & Gerry StarsiaWade & Michele Tremblay
StaffG. Kelly Eplee, Executive DirectorMichael Anello, Haiti Field ManagerVincent Baudoin, Haiti Field ManagerDallas Branum, Local Projects CoordinatorErin Burns, Communications CoordinatorMary Butcher, Haiti Field ManagerBryce Fletcher, Project Cost Manager Katherine Garstang, Office ManagerDaniel Lalanne, Haiti Field ManagerCourtney Polk, Volunteer Recruiter and CoordinatorEthan Tate, Projects Coordinator
Mike Gallahue Bob GrayJack Horn, Jr.Gene Shirley Gerry StarsiaJack StonerBruce Watchel
Guitarmaggedon descends on BGF! Cheer on your favorite bands as they battle for victory and raise funds to support BGF programs.
SA
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THE
DA
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Want to know what BGF has accomplished recently? View 2012’s Community Impact report online at www.buildinggoodness.org
Board members Mike Stoneking, President Partner at Stoneking Von Storch JD Diven, Vice President, Vice President of Shelter Associates, Ltd. Mason Brugh, Treasurer Co-Managing Director Shelton & Co., PC Myrle Langley, Secretary Retired airline pilot G. Kelly Eplee, Ex-Officio Executive Director at Building Goodness Foundation Stan Binsted, President of R.E. Lee & Son, Inc. Richard Busofsky, CPA, Partner at Hantzmon Wiebel Michael Cernik, Owner of Alexander Nicholson, Inc. Athena Eastwood, Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft Susan Fraiman, Professor Department of English, UVA Mike Gallahue, Partner at Greer & Associates, Inc. Robert Gray, Partner at Shank & Gray Architects Jack Horn, Jr., President of Martin Horn, Inc. Gene Shirley, Ret. Deputy Dir. of UVA Facilities Mgmt. Gerry Starsia, Assoc. Dean at UVA McIntire School Jack Stoner, Owner of Alexander Nicholson, Inc.
Building Goodness Foundation
Battle of the Bands rock the volunteers
P.O. Box 4325 | Charlottesville | VA | 22905 www.buildinggoodness.org
Friday, September 21st
Jefferson Theater
Join this Carribbean-themed celebration to honor the construction industry’s most generous volunteers. Learn about exciting new volunteer opportunities, greet old friends, make new ones, and explore the site of our future office!
