by Sarah DeMaranville
Geneseo Current
Rebuilding Together Henry County is celebrating national recognition, continued program growthx and new funding opportunities as it works to help residents in Henry and Stark counties maintain safe, accessible homes.
Executive Director Sarah Snyder recently received the President's Award during the organization's National Summit in Pittsburgh, recognizing her leadership, dedication to the organization's mission, and contributions to the community.
The award, selected by the national organization's CEO, recognizes an executive director who demonstrates leadership, organizational growth, dedication to service, and a commitment to the communities they serve.
Snyder was recognized for several accomplishments, including the organization's completion of its 500th wheelchair ramp, continued development of programs such as its durable medical equipment loan program, and partnerships with other nonprofit organizations.
Snyder also serves as secretary of the National Affiliate Council and sits on the National Board of Directors.
The 12-member council represents affiliates across the country and works to maintain strong relationships between local organizations and the national office. Its responsibilities include developing policies and procedures, coordinating peer-to-peer training, and serving as a voice for the affiliate network.
Snyder holds one of four council positions representing the Central Region.
Grant funding supports home safety and accessibility
Rebuilding Together Henry County continues to expand its services through grant funding designed to improve home safety and accessibility.
An AARP grant is supporting the installation of fire safety equipment and grab bars in 25 Henry County homes. The organization is continuing to identify eligible residents through the end of November, with approximately 10 openings remaining. Henry County residents age 55 and older are eligible to apply.
Funding from the Moline Foundation is also supporting the organization's wheelchair ramp program, which helps individuals with limited mobility safely enter and exit their homes. Anyone with limited mobility may apply for wheelchair ramp assistance. For applicants with incomes exceeding $75,000, the program includes a voluntary cost-sharing option. Residents interested in assistance can complete the organization's general application, available in the upper-right corner of its website.
Specialized training strengthens services
The national summit also provided an opportunity for professional development. Rebuilding Together Henry County employee Lisa Benjamin completed Certified Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS) training, which focuses on helping individuals remain safely and comfortably in their homes as they age or experience mobility challenges.
The training will help the organization better assess residents' needs, particularly when determining appropriate grab bar placement and identifying modifications that improve mobility throughout the home.
Snyder said the additional training will strengthen the organization's ability to evaluate individual needs and recommend improvements that support residents who wish to remain in their homes.
Volunteers remain a critical need
Despite continued program growth, Rebuilding Together Henry County faces an ongoing challenge: recruiting volunteers.
Snyder said the average age of the organization's current volunteers is over 70, creating a growing need for additional community members willing to assist with home repair and accessibility projects.
The organization has begun offering Saturday volunteer opportunities again to accommodate individuals who are unavailable during the traditional workweek, although rebuilding that volunteer base has been a slow process.
Rebuilding Together Henry County is also offering weekday projects involving fire safety equipment and grab bar installations as team-building opportunities for businesses and other groups.
Additional volunteers would help the organization maintain its existing programs and reach more residents in need of assistance.
Emergency home repairs present another challenge
Beyond accessibility improvements, Rebuilding Together Henry County is seeking funding to establish a dedicated pool of money for emergency home repairs.
Those needs can include replacing failed water heaters, repairing furnaces, and addressing urgent plumbing problems.
Snyder explained that while existing grants help fund many home improvements, the application and approval process can take months. That delay can create challenges when residents face repairs requiring immediate attention.
A dedicated emergency repair fund would allow the organization to respond more quickly to urgent situations rather than waiting for traditional grant approvals.
Continuing to serve local residents
From constructing wheelchair ramps to installing home safety equipment and lending durable medical equipment, Rebuilding Together Henry County continues to develop programs intended to help residents maintain independence and remain in their homes.
The completion of its 500th wheelchair ramp represents a significant milestone in that work, while Snyder's national recognition reflects the organization's continued growth and involvement in the broader Rebuilding Together network.
At the local level, however, the need for additional volunteers and flexible emergency repair funding remains significant.
Residents interested in receiving assistance can complete the general application on Rebuilding Together Henry County's website. Community members and businesses interested in volunteering can also contact the organization to learn about available opportunities.
