Community Breakfast June 2010

(pictured: RTDC Board President Serge Cryvoff, Exec. Director Christina Boryk, Dutchess County Executive William Steinhaus)

Local business and community leaders joined enthusiastic volunteers and grateful homeowners at the Rebuilding Together Dutchess County (RTDC) community breakfast held Thursday, June 17 at Arbor Ridge in Hopewell Junction.

Over a hundred participants, including Dutchess County Executive William Steinhaus, Father Mic Shriver of Church of the Resurrection, and Annie Nagy, the widow of a well-decorated WWII veteran, shared their personal and professional stories about how Rebuilding Together has impacted their lives. 

“Almost 20 years ago my son and I strapped on tool belts and worked on our first Rebuilding Together house project together,” Steinhaus said. “Since then I’ve been privileged to support this wonderful organization both as the County Executive and as a volunteer.”

Steinhaus said that Rebuilding Together Dutchess County has helped hundreds of families live in greater safety and dignity in their homes.

“Many of the program ‘s recipients are elderly widows who want to stay in their homes but need a helping hand with repairs and renovations,” Steinhaus added. “Rebuilding Together is there to provide that support, preserving homes and families.”

A recent program recipient was on hand to say thanks. “My husband used to take care of things around the house, but since he passed away it’s been difficult to keep up with my house,” said Hopewell Junction resident, Annie Nagy. “Then last year when a tree branch crashed into the roof of my kitchen and damaged the beam, and I couldn’t afford to have it fixed, I just didn’t know where to turn for help.”

Mrs. Nagy added that she heard about Rebuilding Together’s program and applied. “This April the most wonderful group of people arrived at my home and not only fixed the kitchen, but repaired my front steps, painted my home, spruced up my yard and more. I can’t thank you all enough.”

The Church of the Resurrection in Hopewell Junction provided the volunteers for the “Nagy” project. “We have been working with Rebuilding Together for several years now,” said Father Mic Shriver. “It has meant so much to our church community to give back to our neighbors and live our faith.”

Funding for Mrs. Nagy’s home repair was provided through Heroes at Home, a partnership between Rebuilding Together and Sears Holding Company.  Representatives from the local Sears store were also in attendance.

RTDC Board Member and Marketing Co-Chair Karen Foerst was thrilled with the turnout. “We’re grateful people made time to learn about and support our program,” Foerst said. “It’s truly about neighbor helping neighbor.”