Shawmut Rehabs New York City Non Profit Facility
New York, NY - October 1, 2009 - On Saturday, September 26th, Rebuilding Together NYC, in sponsorship from Shawmut Design and Construction, completely rehabilitated the facilities of Strycker's Bay Neighborhood Council on the Upper West Side of Manhattan using all volunteer labor. All work was at no cost to Strycker's Bay, a nonprofit that serves the low-income community and has never had an upgrade to its facilities in its 50-year existence. Staff, clients and board members of Strycker's Bay pitched in on the workday to help Shawmut's volunteers renovate the space.
Strycker's Bay Neighborhood Council offers walk-in services to New York City families facing eviction and homelessness. Despite this noble work and a 50-year presence in New York City, Strycker's Bay has struggled with its own facilities for its entire existence. "We operate on a budget that does not allow for capital improvements," said Kelley Williams, Executive Director of Strycker's Bay. "Our clients come first, and we have never had the room and opportunity to improve our own facilities to create a better client experience."
In the Spring of 2009, Rebuilding Together NYC, a nonprofit with a mission to rehabilitate the houses of low-income homeowners and the facilities of community centers throughout the five boroughs, came across a posting of Strycker's Bay. "I reached out to Strycker's Bay knowing that Shawmut was looking to work with us on a project in Manhattan," said Matthew Lang, Executive Director of Rebuilding Together NYC. "Strycker's Bay quietly goes about its important work of supporting vulnerable residents, and their facility was in serious need of an upgrade. I was impressed and realized that Rebuilding Together NYC could help this nonprofit that in turn helps so many."
As a sponsor of Rebuilding Together NYC, Shawmut Design and Construction used its formidable construction expertise and contacts in the building trades to plan the project and obtain donated materials. Shawmut's professional team planned the entire scope in consultation with Strycker's Bay, performed two days of prep work, and brought 25 volunteers from their New York offices for the September 26th workday. "We are proud to sponsor our first project with Rebuilding Together NYC," said Kevin Piraino, Senior Project Manager at Shawmut. "We feel we performed this project for a truly deserving organization in Strycker's Bay."
This was the inaugural project between Rebuilding Together NYC and Shawmut Design and Construction. Shawmut now sponsors Rebuilding Together in three markets – Boston, Providence, and New York City – and is creating an annual company-wide concerted effort, "Rebuilding Together Shawmut," to perform projects in the areas in which it does business.
"We are so thankful that Rebuilding Together and Shawmut recognized our value to the community, and put so much work into helping us in such a tangible way. I can't wait for our clients to experience the new space," said Ms. Williams.
About Shawmut Design and Construction
Shawmut Design and Construction is a 100% employee-owned company headquartered in Boston with offices in New York, Providence, Las Vegas, and New Haven. Shawmut is a leading ENR top 100-ranked national construction management firm providing client-oriented services in the following markets: Academic, Commercial, Corporate Interiors, Cultural and Historic Preservation, Gaming, Healthcare and Science, Hotels, Restaurants, Retail, and Spas and Health Clubs.
About Strycker's Bay Neighborhood Council
Strycker's Bay Neighborhood CouncilInc. is a community center that provides New York City's working poor and fixed-income families and their children with capacity-building programs that foster economic stability and personal growth. Strycker's Bay offers counseling and advocacy services for families in crisis and those looking to improve the quality of their lives through educational and economic opportunities. Strycker's Bay has two main programs, Housing and Work Supports counseling and the LACASA Youth Program. Both programs wrap around each other in an effort to approach problem solving and capacity building comprehensively.
About Rebuilding Together NYC
Rebuilding Together NYC's goal is to preserve and revitalize houses and non-profit organizations for those that are unable to perform the work themselves. We seek to ensure that these homeowners and organizations (particularly the elderly, disabled and families with children and nonprofits that support these populations) continue to live in warmth, safety and independence. The ultimate goal is not only to help improve the homes and facilities, but also to make a sustainable impact in the community.
