THE HOME DEPOT TRANSFORMS ARMY VETERAN’S HOME IN AUGUSTA
Walton Options for Independent Living was joined by The Home Depot’s associate-led volunteer force to transform the home of Roscoe Barnwell, a Meals on Wheels recipient. Funding for this project was made possible in part by a grant from The Home Depot Foundation and its ongoing partnership with Meals on Wheels America.
Home Depot Store #1747 and Meals on Wheels partners with Walton Options for Independent Living to provide safe housing for local veteran
Augusta, Georgia (July 27, 2016) – Walton Options for Independent Living today was joined by The Home Depot’s associate-led volunteer force to transform the home of Roscoe Barnwell, a Meals on Wheels recipient. Funding for this project was made possible in part by a grant from The Home Depot Foundation and its ongoing partnership with Meals on Wheels America.
“People with disabilities should not have to choose between staying at home or sacrificing independence by moving because of small modification needs such as ramps and bathroom access,” explains Tiffany Clifford, Executive Director for Walton Options. “Through our Home Modifications program, we work with our consumers to make changes to their homes so they are able to live the lives that they want and are entitled to. Through the Team Depot grant and working with their volunteers, we have had the opportunity to give back to our local veterans with disabilities.”
A former Drill Sergeant who served over 14 years in the army, Mr. Barnwell relies on a wheelchair and a walker to get around because of the loss of a leg. The difficulty he has getting into and using his bathroom safely has been a concern. The bathroom updates by Team Depot and Walton Options will give him safer access to his bathroom.
In addition to the bathroom modifications for Mr. Barnwell, this Home Depot Foundation project has been able to assist nine other veterans and their families in the CSRA area with a variety of home improvements. Repairs and improvements included repairs to floors and walls, door widens, wheelchair ranks, new sinks and toilets, and new light fixtures.
“We are very excited to be working with Walton Options to give back to our local veterans,” said Maranda Holmes, the Store Manager of the Belair Road Home Depot in Augusta. “The Home Depot Foundation and Team Depot work to improve homes and lives of US military veterans and their families. The local Team Depot is very excited to dedicate our time and our talents to help those in the CSRA. But, we could not do what we do without the support of partners like Walton Options who advocate for our veterans.”
Through the Home Depot Foundation grant, Team Depot and Walton Options will be assisting ten veterans in Georgia and South Carolina with home modifications.
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About Walton Options for Independent Living
Walton Options works with persons with disabilities through their core services of Advocacy, Information & Referral, Life Skills Training, Peer Support and Transition Services. WOIL offers services throughout the CSRA including 16 counties in Georgia and 10 counties in South Carolina including the Low Country.
For more information about Walton Options and our services, please visit www.waltonoptions.org or call Walton Options for Independent Living, 706-724-6262
About Giving Back at The Home Depot
Since The Home Depot store first opened in 1979, giving back has been a core value for the Company and a passion for its associates. Today, The Home Depot, in partnership with The Home Depot Foundation, focuses its philanthropic efforts on improving the homes and lives of U.S. military veterans and their families and aiding communities affected by natural disasters. Through Team Depot, the Company’s associate-led volunteer force, thousands of associates dedicate their time and talents to these efforts in the communities where they live and work.
Since 2011, The Home Depot Foundation has invested more than $110 million to provide safe housing to veterans, and along with the help of Team Depot volunteers, has transformed more than 25,000 homes for veterans. To learn more and see Team Depot in action, visit www.homedepot.com/teamdepot.
About Meals on Wheels America
Meals on Wheels America is the oldest and largest national organization supporting the more than 5,000 community-based senior nutrition programs across the country that are dedicated to addressing senior hunger and isolation. This network exists in virtually every community in America and, along with more than two million volunteers, delivers the nutritious meals, friendly visits and safety checks that enable America’s seniors to live nourished lives with independence and dignity. By providing funding, leadership, education and advocacy support, Meals on Wheels America empowers its local member programs to strengthen their communities, one senior at a time. For more information, or to find a Meals on Wheels provider near you, visit www.mealsonwheelsamerica.org.