New Hampshire non-profits encouraged to apply for renovation of facilities
MANCHESTER, NH – New Hampshire non-profits have an opportunity to get a major helping hand as Building On Hope, a New Hampshire-based organization of volunteers who provide renovations to deserving non-profits, is currently searching for its next “Extreme Makeover” type renovation project.
Building On Hope is accepting submissions from in-state, non-profit organizations in need of significant improvements to facilities they operate. Since it formed in 2009, Building On Hope has completed $3.6 million in renovations to four New Hampshire organizations including Easterseals NH, Girls Incorporated, Opportunity Networks and Manchester Police Athletic League (MPAL) through donated goods and labor.
“Our four projects represent more than building renovations – this work has helped transform the lives of hundreds of people throughout our community,” said Jonathan Halle, co-chair of Building on Hope. “It’s so inspiring to see New Hampshire companies and individuals band together for these non-profits and we’re thrilled to start the selection process for our fifth project.”
Throughout the Michael Briggs Community Center, Building on Hope’s most recent “Extreme Makeover” style renovation project, students will find uplifting and motivational images and quotes among their workout gear. The gym, located downstairs, is where students and Manchester police officers come to train and bond in a safe environment.
To meet the criteria, the organization must be a 501c3, own their facility and be located within 20 miles of Manchester. To be considered for Building on Hope’s 2018 signature project, please compose a letter describing the non-profit’s mission and programs, and how they benefit the community. Also, explain the renovation work that is needed, and how a remodeled structure could transform the organization and its services. All letters should be emailed to Karen Van Der Beken at kvanderbeken@eastersealsnh.org by December 31, 2016. Non-profits that meet the criteria will later be asked to fill out a formal application provided directly by Building on Hope.
In May 2016, nearly 400 volunteers and dozens of companies organized by Building On Hope collaborated in a $1.8 million effort to transform MPAL’s Michael Briggs Community Center in Manchester, NH. The organization provides an alternative to harmful behavior for Manchester’s inner-city youth and encourages positive relationships between law enforcement and young people. With little more than basic updating and maintenance, the 16,000-square-foot, 105-year-old facility was in desperate need of repair. A total of 17 rooms were transformed to create an open, light space complete with new furnishings and positive and inspirational messages throughout the facility. Volunteers aided in the creation of a state-of-the-art kitchen, homework room with laptops and internet access, game room, updated offices, workout areas, new heating and cooling systems, and more.
Every two years, Building On Hope takes on a new challenge, rallying volunteers, gathering resources and focusing attention on a project selected for its potential to create enduring positive change for the immediate community and the state as a whole. Other past projects include:
- 2010: Easterseals – The remodeling, landscape, redesign and refurnishing of the Krol House Boys Intensive Residential Treatment Facility was a $350,000 project. Located in Manchester, this building is home to boys who, for any number of reasons, cannot live with their families. Residents may suffer from behavioral problems, learning disabilities and other setbacks. Many have experienced severely traumatic life experiences along the way, but they come to the Krol House because they are working through those problems and have plans for a better future.
- 2012: Girls Inc. – The Manchester Girls Inc. headquarters was in need of major renovations to better serve the hundreds of girls and their families participating in its programs. The $600,000 project involved a new roof, an air conditioning system, playground, extensive program enhancements and a completely new kitchen and dining area.
- 2014: Opportunity Networks – At its core, Opportunity Networks in Amherst is committed to providing genuine vocational opportunities and activities that promote life enhancing skills for adults with developmental and acquired disabilities in the Greater Nashua/Souhegan Valley community. The $850,000 project centered around the ‘dreams’ that the Opportunity Network Board and staff had to provide additional services and value to their clients. Building on Hope provided a fully interactive theatre, library, art space, commercial kitchen, movement room, computer lab, renovated offices and a ‘snoozelen room’.
Please visit www.buildingonhope.com to learn more about the organization, donate or sign up to volunteer.