Isabelle's House

Project; Adopt a Mom Project Date: May 25th, 2008 Status: Successfully Completed Continual Support Ongoing


The Press To view the press coverage for this project follow the links! Channel 4 Video 1 Channel 4 Video 2 Channel 4 Story Channel 5 Video (no longer available) Channel 5 Story (no longer available) Post and Courier Video blog Post and Courier Story One more press update: I received an email today from the Editor of Women's World magazine which is distributed nationwide and in Canada - they heard about our project and want to run a story. See the photos	June 1, 2008 A little over a week ago we did what many thought could not be done - we gave the Ravenell's new hope. Thanks to a lot of incredibly generous souls, some amazing companies, the hard work and sweat from volunteers and the vision of myself and Kim we were able to do some amazing things. These are the things we did in less than 10 hours: Pulled up old, moldy carpeting Removed furniture from 8 rooms Hand picked hundreds of staples out of the flooring Scrubbed, washed, cleaned, vacuumed, mopped, used a toothbrush in the small spaces and a shop vac for the rest (in 11 rooms I might add!) Replaced 2 shower heads, and 2 toilet seats Fixed leaky plumbing Replaced doors, fixed others Replaced ceiling tiles in a bathroom Organized hundreds of donations Painted 6 rooms and a hallway, including trim Brought in a new fridge through a doorway too small and a few steps in between! Hang new curtains Re-buillt 2 bunk beds and moved in new furniture for entire house Hung artwork that inspires the family Set up a new computer in their new office complete with 2 new desks, new filing cabinets, bookshelves full of new books Created a music room complete with a drum set (thanks Angel for putting that one together!), a karaoke machine, new keyboard, electric guitar and other smaller instruments Built rods and shelves in all their closets and hung new clothing Painted an old dresser into a bright cheery piece of art for the girls Filled their cabinets with new kitchenware and food Filled the refrigerator with food Filled the freezer with more food and homemade meals Mowed, weed whacked, raked, dug up, mulched, planted and created beautiful landscaping in the front, side and back of house. Planted a vegetable garden Fixed their basketball hoop Supplied them with many months of laundry detergent, toilet paper and paper towels. Installed a portable energy efficient AC unit Gave them new lighting Brought in a beautifully handmade table big enough to seat all of them during their meals Created a cozy living room area with new furniture, a sleeper sofa, enough movies to keep them entertained and thanks to Coach, Clarence and Tara we somehow managed to bring in the 600lb entertainment center that also did not want to fit through the door. Somewhere in all of this we also managed to laugh, cry, curse, scream, eat great food from Home Team BBQ, make several trips to Lowes (unless you were Valerie and you made several trips home to get us shop vacs, supplies and pillows!) For Kim and I we managed to keep the momentum going, the countdown on (2 more hours!), stand in front of a camera (despite our sweat and dirt) to be interviewed by either Channel 4, 5 or the Post and Courier, eat on the fly, get Sally to make Lowes runs, track down lost keys to a car that needed to be moved, and somehow knew what was going on everywhere all at once (or at least we hoped so!) And at the stroke of the 10th hour we greeted the family at the end of their driveway and walked them to their back yard which had been transformed into a party scene with Hank the Pirate playing live music, food catered by Hymans, and the faces of all the volunteers and many of the donators, and several news crews. It was a scene never to be forgotten. It was only in that moment that the family realized we had done more than just "clean their house" as Theresa Ravenell had been led to believe this entire time. There were tears of joy from Theresa, ear to ear grins from the kids and many proud moments from myself and I'm sure the many others who were a part of changing this family's life. Those are the moments that matter in life. To all the volunteers who participated in this project ... I know the task was much greater than we had anticipated, and I realize the sacrifices all of you made to make sure it got done. There was not a detail that went unnoticed and I am so very proud of the teamwork all of us displayed. Beyond everything we did, I think the our teamwork and our vision was one of the most beautiful and inspiring things I personally have ever been a part of. Thank you, truly, for showing up in more ways than just physically. I learned on this day there is absolutely nothing in this world that a group of amazing women and a few incredible men can't do! To all the donators who gave to this project their money, clothes, furniture, movies, food, art, plants, paint, candles, toys, bikes, books, bedding, gift cards, their everything .... It was a sight to be seen when we laid everything out and were able to completely furnish a home for 8 people based on what people like you gave. They went from a house with a very few belongings to a cozy home that reflects love, family, laughter, color and growth. All of us are amazing. Thank you. Thank you . Thank you! Next project is on the way .... Warmest Regards, Dakota

HELP WANTED! In addition to a home and life makeover, we'd love to see Theresa find a better job. Please review her resume and if you have a position Theresa might be suited for, please contact us and we'll arrange a meeting or interview. Donations Needed For This Project *Please contact me if you are able to donate any of the following items:* Those highlighted in yellow are high priority! Sporting equipment Football ~~Basketball~~ donated by Jodie Runner Bicycles (5) Chain and lock for bikes ~~Kickball~~ donated by Lindsay and Catherine Jump ropes (long) Musical equipment ~~Karaoke machine~~ donated by Lindsay and Catherine Harmonica Tambourine Stereo with speakers Sheet music (drum and keyboard) ~~Guitar~~ donated by Marcye Brown Keyboard Drum set Outdoor items Picnic table Patio furniture ~~Gas grill~~ donated by Katie Edwards Swing set Landscaping materials Plants Mulch $250 of plant material being donated by Down To Earth, Mt. Pleasant Household items Laundry detergent Toilet paper Paper towels Environmentally friendly cleaning supplies Energy efficient light bulbs Hand and dish soap donated by Earth Fare ~~Kitchen ware~~ Appliances ~~18 – 20 cu.ft. Energy efficient refrigerator~~ donated by Dixie Walker & Isabelle Ryckman Toaster Washer (energy efficient) Toaster oven Mixer Microwave donated by Sue Weller Home furnishings Picture frames (assorted sizes and types) Draperies and shears Curtain rods ~~Shower curtains~~ Towels (bath and kitchen) and linens ~~Bedding (twin and queen)~~ 3 twin mattresses (no box spring for 4 of them) 2 twins donated by Ben Chase, Mattresses & More 1 twin donated by Laura Fontaine ~~1 queen mattress~~ donated by Anne Newell ~~Lamps~~ Floor pillows and/or bean bag chairs Decorative accessories Wall mirror Candles (new) Candle stands donated by Sherri Houston Inspiring artwork Home improvement items ~~Interior latex paint (satin)~~ donated by Behr Paint ~~Painting supplies~~ donated by Andrea & Graham Williams Weather stripping Basic tool kit Air purifiers Wood for shelving and repair items donated by Frances Hamburger Family entertainment ~~Board games~~ donated by JPaulz Books (all ages) Music CD’s ~~DVD Player~~ donated by Dr. Hlavecek ~~PS2 & Games~~ donated by Tillman Reeves TOYS!!!!! DVD Wish List Rudy Men of Honor The Last Dance ~~Antwone Fisher~~ Dead Poets Society Billy Elliot Finding Forrester Surf's Up (any family oriented, inspiring, uplifting movie as well as kids movies) Akeelah & The Bee Freedom Writers The Great Debaters Meet Joe Black Pride Finding Nemo Shrek Harry Potter(any) Step Up Herbie Fully Loaded Pay It Forward donated by Leah and her god daughter! Clothing Female: size 5/6 child Female: size 14 pants/12 tops Female: size 8 pants/10-12 tops Female: size 11 pants/Lg shirt adult Male: size 34 -36 pant Lg shirt 2 Male: size 30 - 32 pant med. shirt Between yard sales, thrift stores, donated items and College of Charleston ... we may be set on the clothing! Although always open to more! Art Supplies Food Groceries to stock kitchen as well as gift cards to local grocery stores for ongoing support. Immediate stocking and gift cards donated by Anonymous Angel - more gift cards welcomed! Office Supplies Computer & Printer Blank cd's Printer paper ~~Digital Camera~~ Memory Card for camera ~~Filing cabinet~~ donated by Staples Furniture ~~Book case~~ ~~1 dresser~~ donated by Isabelle Ryckman ~~Computer desk~~ donated by Staples Entertainment center Dining Room table donated by Morris Sokol ~~Coffee table~~ donated by Melissa Snyder ~~Bunk Beds~~ donated by Meghan & Russel Porter ~~Spa products for mom~~ donated by Urban Nirvana ~~James Island Co. Golden Park Pass~~ donated by `Maudra Rogers & Beth Kempton.` River Dog tickets for whole family Movie tickets Financial Goal ~~$1000~~ $1500 $2000 $2500 $3000 $3500 $4000 $7000 (wow!) The response to this project has been nothing short of miraculous and amazing! I cannot believe how incredibly generous this community has been. I continue to up the goal because with more money, we may be able to do things even more unbelievable than I even imagined! To date we have raised $4353 Those funding this Project Anonymous Angel $500 Dr. Evaline Delson $100 Dakota Walker $100 Candice Losego $50 Kevan-Ann Spangler $100 Meghan Porter $50 Anonymous Angel $108 Tammy Thompson $100 Sharon Castle $100 Lindsay Dukes & Catherine LaFond $100 Alice Gray Gregory $100 Terri Roberson $25 Tammy Mullady $200 MJ Davis $250 Dr. Tony Hlavacek $200 Micki George & Sally Reinters $100 John Sanchelli $40 Tiffany Agee $100 Murray Lasaine Elementary Staff $145 Angel Phoenix $25 Maureen Donohue $100 Leah Crout $100 Hank and Laurel Greer $200 Sloane Realty $100 Donna Parrish $25 Wilma McCord $75 Linda Cox $100 Dottie Lindsay $50 Joanne MacKenzie Winters $200 Marlene Pine, All is Well $100 Kirsten Moran $100 Kristi Richardson $100 Jill Patrick $50 Margaret Woodruff $25 Evelyn Birchfied $25 Kim Rayfield $100 Rachel Burns $200 Westchester Booster Club $200 Nadra Wilkie $100 Anna Watson $10 Holly Fordin $50 Want to help us meet this goal? Company Donations Earth Fare Down to Earth Morris Sokol Lacoste Lula Kate Charleston Bookcrossers Urban Nirvana Behr Paint The Sanctuary Spa at Kiawah Island Jasmine Porch Loggerhead Grill Hyman's Seafood Home Team BBQ Urban Electric All Seasons Mulch South Carolina Aquarium Gift Card Donations Murray LaSaine PTA - Walmart $50 Anonymous - Home Depot $1000 Maggie Wolfe - Walmart $100	Our Thoughts When Kim and I first met Theresa at her home, she greeted us with a warm smile. She invited us in to talk with her and for about an hour we heard her story, toured her house, and learned what she struggles with most. Four years ago Theresa found the courage to leave an abusive husband with her 7 children. She didn't have much, and still doesn't but she had enough courage, and enough love to know that no matter how little she had, she knew she could give a better life to her kids on her own. She struggles to get ahead, working a job that pays very little and with hours that keeps her away from her kids more than she likes. Her dream is to own her own home, and to find a job that pays better. All her spare time is spent with the kids - they are all inseparable, taking care of one another and finding that home really is where the heart resides. Her kids are a delight. Lisa, Amber, Alonike are the 3 youngest and sweetest girls you'll meet. Floyd, 15, loves drums and playing the keyboard. Jason and Justin, 14, enjoy basketball and football. Whitley is the oldest, and in college - hoping to be a good role model to her younger siblings. She comes home every other weekend when mom has the money to buy gas to go get her in Orangeburg. To look at their home it is obvious what is most important as photos of the family and trophies the boys have won are the prominent decorations in the family room. But the reality of life is also obvious, there are very few toys or signs of the kids because of the simple fact that Mom can't afford to buy much more after all the necessary things are bought first. Amber doesn't have a bed and all the others share - no one has a bed of their own. When you look at the splintered walls, the gaps in the windows, the old refrigerator you realize why Theresa is slapped each month with a utility bill totaling more than $250 a month. Closet doors that no longer hang, limited dresser space for the kids, as well as limited clothing. They have one basketball, and all the kids play - they even gave me a fair shake and after it was all done, I lost my bet and had to pay out $10! They laugh a lot, it's a beautiful sound amidst all the apparent struggle. And even though Mom laughs a lot, you can see in her eyes the pain and hurt, and the exhaustion she feels. She only wants a better life for herself and her kids, and asking for help is not something Theresa is accustomed to doing. We could not have picked a better recipient than the Ravenell family for our Isabelle Project. I hope all of you feel the same, and are able to share in the joy of being able to help this family. I have big plans for our project .... I am going to need all the help I can get to pull this off. Please, forward this email to everyone you know - lets all make a difference. What can you do? Warmest Regards, Dakota UPDATE I wanted to keep all of you updated with the progress of our May project, *Adopt a Mom. I am astounded at the support and willingness to help that has come from the Charleston community. The volunteers who signed up, the emails and donations have been nothing short of amazing. Saturday at the Ravenell home, I met with Frances, home improvement crew leader, Kimberly, landscaping crew leader, Kim, co-project manager, and Carolyn, one of our volunteers. Carolyn took Mom to help her update her resume; Kim took the kids to the park on a photo shoot while the rest of us surveyed the house more closely. When I first decided to take on a project like this I had envisioned helping someone in need, to do what we could but never did I imagine the magnitude of what has transpired so far. I realized yesterday while I stood in their home that our collective efforts and actions would forever change their lives. I was moved to tears. I knew we had picked a family who was in need, but I hadn't prepared myself for how deeply-rooted that need truly is. I opened up their refrigerator (which has no handle) and for a family of seven I found one head of lettuce, condiments, 5 eggs, and a pint of milk. They have 4 plates and forks that they share among them. In the children's rooms they have very few clothes and what clothes they do have lay in a pile in the bottom of the closet because they have no hangers, or rod to hang them. The boys were ironing their shirts before they left, then I realized why. I can count on one hand the number of toys I found. In a home with girl's ages 4, 10 and 11 you would expect to see toys everywhere - but there isn't. The carpets are horrifying and most likely a main contributor to the boys having asthma. The beds have 3 mattresses stacked - mattresses that are bent, sagging, and dirty and were supported by cinder blocks. Most of the beds lacked proper bedding. I tell you all this because the need for this family is greater than initially thought. I need help. I don't want to do this half way for this family; I want to give them a chance to build a better life. The one thing this family does not lack is love and laughter. When I viewed the photos of the kids that Kim took, they were all laughing and smiling - there is so much joy and cohesiveness among them. If there is anything that we all could learn from the Ravenells is the importance of joy no matter what your situation. Theresa Ravenell had expressed to Carolyn as they sat and talked about her job skills and such that one of the things she and the kids do every Sunday is watch Extreme Home Makeover show. She said the kids have wanted to write to the show, hoping someone would come help them. Their prayer is answered. We may not be the Extreme Home Makeover show, but we are pretty darn close because we are their community, and it won't stop at May 25th - When we step up to help someone like Theresa, we take a step towards extending our "family". Because of what I witnessed yesterday I have changed my strategy, my plan, my priorities somewhat - I've raised the bar, I had to. I need YOU - I need donations (see list to the left), I need money (whatever isn't donated I need to buy), I need your sweat (I need at least 6 more volunteers). The countdown has begun ... life changes for the Ravenells in 28 days. I have 3 weeks to pull this all together ... Please, again - spread the word. After the last email I had many people who I didn't know, or even have on the mailing list who stepped up to the plate - they are building beds, donating plants, couches, night stands etc. Those connections only happened because a few of you forwarded my email to them. So please.... keep the circle moving and expanding... What can you do?* Warmest Regards, Dakota Project Details DATE: May 25, 2008 - Sunday TIME: Begin at 8:00 am LOCATION: James Island. Exact location given to Volunteers only. At 7:30 am on Sunday morning, Mom and the kids will be whisked away for a day of play, retreat, pampering etc. While they are out, we will take over the house for the day, planting a garden and landscaping. We'll clean the house, fix any small repairs we can, decorate and weatherproof the windows, installing energy efficient bulbs, and if all goes well install a new fridge to help reduce the costs of her utility bills. Each child will also have their own bed, and new bedding, toys, etc. I am also hoping to make one room into a "music" room for the family to create music together. We will also create an area outside for the family to play and enjoy the outdoors, and hopefully add a couple of air purifiers to the home to help Justin and Jason with their asthma. Update: Mom will be escorted by one of our volunteers, Miriam, to the Sanctuary at Kiawah Island where they will have a "5 Star" breakfast at the Jasmine Porch, compliments of Josh and Nicole, restaurant managers. Theresa will then go to the spa where she will receive a Signature Facial by Gigi, a Reiki treatment from Dolly, and a 90 minute Lemon Verbena Scrub and Massage by Marianna. She will then be taken to lunch at the Loggerhead grill poolside with a view of the ocean before coming home. While in the spa, Theresa will be treated to chocolate covered strawberries and champagne compliments of Ken, room service manager. The 4 girls will be taken for the day to visit the Aquarium and the Children's Museum.* The boys ... I'm working on it still but am trying to get them a "field trip" to the Harley Davidson store or a day of shark fishing! When the day is done, they will return for our "reveal" where we will spend some time with them. The weekend of the reveal, their address will be posted if anyone would like to come out and welcome them home. Each child will also be given a disposable camera to take photos of their "special" day. There will be no detail left untouched, and through our efforts I hope to give the Ravenell's an experience they will never forget and a home that is safe, warm, that resembles the wonderful energy they encompass. The After Party DATE: May 25, 2008 - Sunday TIME: 5:00 pm LOCATION: James Island. Exact location given to Volunteers and donators only. Join us for the "big reveal" at 5 pm when the family arrives home to see the changes and experience the true gratitude that comes when you reach out to another. I am working on getting someone to cater the party pro bono in addition to getting some live music to play. All those who have donated money or items or time will be invited to come celebrate community, and to connect with not only the family who we've helped but each other. My personal goal is make this project as personal as it can be - I want you to experience first hand what your dollar, or your energy has contributed towards. I also want the Ravenell's to meet the angels who have changed their lives ... Profiles Want to "adopt" one of the kids? Choose one or more of the children listed below and go on a shopping spree for them. Toys, clothing, sporting goods, etc. If you would like to "adopt" any of the children, please contact me so I can give you additional information about the child you are considering. If you choose to adopt one of the kids I ask for you to write a hand written note telling them who you are, and give them some words of encouragement. This project is personal for both the family, and those who are giving. Those who donate to this project will never be "just a buck". NAME: Amber AGE: 4 SIZES: 5/6 INTERESTS: Cinderella and Dora FAVORITE COLOR: Blue NAME: Alonike AGE: 11 SIZES: 14 pants/12 tops INTERESTS: basketball, keyboard, flowers, Bell & Spongebob FAVORITE COLOR: Pink NAME: Lisa AGE: 10 SIZES: 10/12 Tops/ 8 Bottoms INTERESTS: basketball, drums, double dutch, Poka-dots, Tinkerbell FAVORITE COLOR: Green NAME: Floyd AGE: 15 SIZES: 34/36 pant : Shirts/Large INTERESTS: Football, basketball, video games, keyboard NAME: Justin AGE: 14 SIZES: 30/32 Pants, Shirt/Medium INTERESTS: Favorite basketball player, LaBrown Jarnell: Fave football player, Damen/Chargers FAVORITE COLOR: Orange has asthma NAME: Jason AGE: 14 SIZES: 30/32 Pants : Shirt/Medium INTERESTS:** Basketball, football, keyboard has asthma NAME:* Whitley AGE: 19 SIZES: Shirt/Large : Pants/11 INTERESTS: Computers, keyboards, drums, is in college at USC for Agro-Business. FAVORITE COLOR: Blue	Volunteers Needed Sign Up Now! I could always use a few more good people. You will need to commit to the entire day of the project. Please note what areas of interest you have or special talents you might have that will best serve this project. Read details of project to know what we will be taking on. Project Team Project Managers Dakota Walker & Kim Lucia Team Leaders Frances Hamburger Home Improvement Kimberly Tittle Landscaping/Outdoor Amanda Howe / Tara Austin Reorganization Amy Sloane Cleaning Dakota Walker Decorating/Design Team Volunteers Michele T. Miriam Carolyn Kelsey Kevan Ann Marcye Whitney Marina Holly Penny Joye Lindsay Catherine Tammy Vicki Kristi Brandi Angel Alicia Tiffany Jessica Kimberly B Alycia Beth Karen S