The main building, playgrounds and a couple residential homes of the West Haven Community House (WHCH) have been upgraded, renovated and newly landscaped thanks to approximately 30 Lowe’s employees who recently worked for three very hot days on various projects as part of Lowe’s Heroes volunteer program. Lowe’s Human Resources Manager, Erick Martinez, organized the projects along with managers from local Lowe’s stores including Milford, Derby, New Haven and Orange.
The process began back in May with communication between the manager at the Lowe’s store in Orange and WHCH staff. Several visits were made to various sites in order to develop a plan to get all the projects completed. As the list of projects grew, other stores including, Milford, New Haven and Derby volunteered their assistance as well.
For 60 years, Lowe’s has supported communities through education and community improvement projects. While projects vary by location, Lowe’s Heroes volunteers share a common goal to make their communities better places to live. The costs of the materials needed for the various projects were paid for by Lowe’s and all installation was completed by their employees through the volunteer program.
Projects included installation of a fence and raised garden beds at one of the Community House’s residential homes, landscaping and adding mulch to the playground at the Community House’s Head Start campus as well as building tables for a craft area and creating an art work area with chalkboard paint and easels so that the children can show off their artistic talent.
“We are so thankful to the Lowe’s Heroes volunteer program, the stores that participated and to all the Lowes staff who volunteered. The completion of these projects would not have been feasible without the support and funding from the Lowes Heroes volunteer program,” said Patty Stevens, West Haven Community House executive director. “The current uncertain financial environment in the state and looming funding cuts prevent us from performing routine maintenance projects that ensure that our facilities are safe. This very generous contribution from Lowe’s has a significant and positive impact on our ability to continue to provide the level of services that so many families have come to depend on each day,” she continued.