By Lorraine Glowczak
For the past 15 years, cyclists throughout the U.S. have biked across the country to not only raise funds for the Fuller Center for Housing, a national faith-based organization headquartered in Georgia that builds and repairs homes worldwide, but bikers also pause along their journeys to physically help build and repair homes for local Fuller Center chapters. |
| Sebago Lakes Region Fuller Center for Housing welcomed about 30 cyclists to Windham on Friday, June 23. The cyclists worked on repairs and building projects around town, such as rebuilding this deck for an area senior. SUBMITTED PHOTO |
While here, the cyclists, along with other local volunteers provided housing repairs and landscaping projects for area older adults and veterans before ending their bike adventure at Portland Headlight in Cape Elizabeth on Sunday, June 25.
“The SLRFC appreciates that we were selected to be one of the cyclists’ stopping points during their East Coast fundraising ride,” SLRFC President, Diane Dunton Bruni said. “Because of their help, we were able to provide repairs for six area residents in Windham, Raymond, and Standish while also providing landscaping and yard clean-up for some.”
Laura Case of Windham was one of the Fuller Center recipients. Portions of her deck, railing, and stairs were rotting. SLRFC volunteers demolished and replaced the decking and updated the stairs and railing.
“This project couldn’t have come at a more appropriate time and was a real Godsend,” Case said. “I was putting flowerpots on top of the rotting deck boards so I wouldn’t step on them and fall through. Now, I won’t have to worry about that anymore.”Case continued, saying that she is beyond grateful for all the volunteers and wanted to give a special thanks to two local contractors.
“I am also extremely grateful for Randy Perkins and Scott Martin who gave much of their professional skills and leadership for this project.”
What makes this housing improvement extra special is that Case’s husband, George passed away approximately a month ago.
“Randy said in a Facebook post that George was looking down on us that day,” Case said. “I know with certainty that he was and is very happy that the work has been completed and I can now walk into my house without falling through the deck. George knows I am safe and well taken care of.”
Last July, approximately 25 bikers helped local volunteers with eight projects including the building of a screened-in farmer's porch for Linda and John Gregoire of Windham. John has ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) and is now confined to a wheelchair.
“This year, we were able to provide landscaping around Gregoire’s farmer’s porch that included placing pavers by the steps and flowers around the porch that were donated by a local master gardener,” Bruni said.
Since last year, a wheelchair lift has been added to the porch so that John can exit the house safely.
“The porch has provided us with a beautiful place to relax and get fresh air instead of staying inside all summer long in air conditioning,” Linda said. “I call it the porch that love built. And now that some flowers were added, I call that the garden that love built. The people who have come into our lives because of the Fuller Center are a true blessing.”
Bruni is very grateful for everyone who was involved from start to finish but takes a moment to mention a few who supported the efforts.
“It was very helpful that Saint Joseph’s College had vans available and provided drivers to take the riders to the projects and offered a place for the bikers to shower. Also, we appreciated WPD Officer Tim Denman who provided an escort from the Sebago Lake Lookout to the North Windham Union Church (NWUC) where cyclists slept and were provided meals in the parish hall.”
The bike adventure provides many experiences for cyclists. One cyclist, Jacqueline Rouse from Iowa who helped with the Laura Case project took a moment to share her experiences in the Sebago Lakes Region.
“We felt very welcomed, productive, and appreciated,” Rouse said. “Laura served us lunch and was very accommodating. The foreman/contractors were very helpful and provided guidance as we worked. Diane Bruni and Jim McBride [Chair of the SLRFC Family Committee] did an awesome job organizing so many sites so that we all had plenty to do.”
Rouse also shared her thoughts about participating in the bike adventure charity ride.
“I enjoy every aspect of the Fuller Center Bike Adventure from its mission to end poverty housing, to the faith-based aspect. Cycling makes it fun and getting to spend time with other like-minded people makes it an awesome experience every time. Staying in churches and meeting so many wonderful people along the way restores your faith in humankind.”
The Sebago Lakes Region Fuller Center for Housing is a collaborative effort between North Windham Union Church, Faith Lutheran Church, St. Ann’s Episcopal Church, Windham Hill United Church of Christ, Raymond Village Community Church, and Saint Joseph’s College.
The mission of this local Fuller Center chapter is to provide housing repairs for area older adults and veterans so they can remain safely in their homes. If you or someone you know could benefit from this cause, contact the SLRFC by email at sebagofullerhousing@gmail.com or by phone at 207-387-0855. The Fuller Center is always accepting volunteers and donations to continue their work. To inquire about volunteering or to make a donation, visit their website at www.sebagofullerhousing.org or send a check or money order to 723 Roosevelt Trail, Windham, ME 04062.<
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