In a world divided by so many factors, it’s the small gestures and acts of kindness built up over time that make the biggest difference within communities.
A team from Giffels Webster, a Michigan-based civil engineering and consulting firm specializing in infrastructure, community planning and land development solutions, rolled up their sleeves Thursday, August 8 to volunteer and support the Six Day Project at Life Remodeled. The local, non-profit organization mobilizes resources and volunteers for renovating, repurposing and repairing large-scale revitalization projects – one Detroit neighborhood at a time.
“Our team became involved three years ago, and it has become a huge priority among my colleagues at Giffels Webster,” said Mike Kozak, PE, Giffels Webster. “So many opportunities are based on the quality of our neighborhoods, and we’re committed to doing every single thing we can to make Detroit great for everyone.”
Life Remodeled activities have supported the neighborhood surrounding Central High School and the Durfee Innovation Society since 2017 and will continue until 2020. In this time, more than 21,000 volunteers have come together to:
- Transform the Durfee Elementary and Middle School building into the Durfee Innovation Society that serves children, students and adults in the community
- Repair 53 homes
- Board up nearly 1,000 vacant houses
- Beautify 316 city bocks
- Plant more than 700 trees, shrubs and perennials
- Build two community gardens and upgrade four others
- Install 20 free Little Libraries
- Build three bus shelters
- Upgrade neighborhood parks with grills and picnic tables
- Install two sets of bleachers for the Central High School softball field
- Upgrade the Central High School football facilities, including wheelchair accessible ramps, press box, bleachers, scoreboard and more
“Giffels Webster has a long history of sponsoring events within our communities, but this is different,” said Scott Clein, president and partner at Giffels Webster. “The team coming together to work in the service of others, knowing that this effort will impact people on a personal level, is humbling.”
Get involved by supporting the 6th Annual Life Remodeled Fund Raiser, Thursday, December 5 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Durfee Innovation Society in Detroit. Contact Brandi Haggins at brandi@liferemodeled.com for more information.