R.I.S.E. receives grant, renovates shelter kitchen
R.I.S.E. Advocacy, Inc., formerly known as Women’s Aid Service, recently finished an extensive kitchen remodel at its emergency shelter facilities.
“Our organization has owned the shelter since the late 80’s and minimal internal upgrades have been made until recently,” Executive Director, Jennifer Page said. “Over the last two years we have renovated both client bathrooms with grants from The Rotary Club of Mt. Pleasant, as well another grant from the MPACF.”
The remodel is considered necessary by Page as the kitchen was considered one of the worst spaces in the shelter due to a issues with the ceiling and the plumbing in the upstairs bathroom, among other reasons.
“The cabinets were old, painted a dark tan, and all had padlocks on them,” Page said. “The counters were chipping, and everything was very dark. Clients would often comment that it was depressing which was what we’d most hope to change.”
The kitchen remodel was completed by Denali Construction. Renovations to the kitchen includes a yellow paint job with new white cabinets, a new floor and ceiling, new stainless steel appliances and no locks.
“The layout was also redesigned to make it more functional with multiple people working in there at the same time,” Page said. “We’re thrilled with how it came out.”
While the remodel was in effect, local businesses and volunteers donated food which, according to Page, “alleviated much of the stress of operating without a kitchen for almost a full month.”
According to a press release from R.I.S.E. Advocacy, Inc., a grant of $2,403 was received from the Paula Arndt Women’s Fund via the Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation and was used to purchase the appliances for the project, which includes a refrigerator, dishwasher, and range.
“The cost of the appliances was not included in the original quote for the project, so this extra boost was just what we needed to finish the complete kitchen
remodel” Paige said. “In addition to the complete kitchen remodel, we were also able to paint the client bedrooms and the office space in the shelter thanks for the generosity of a number of local volunteers and businesses.”
R.I.S.E. was also able to receive a $2,000 donation of supplies and materials for the bathroom from Harrison Lumber to go toward the kitchen remodel.
The bulk of the funding for the remodel was raised with the assistance of a matching grant opportunity with the United Way of Gratiot and Isabella Counties in the Spring of 2019.
“We raised well over $30,000 for the remodel, which was an amazing show of the support our organization has in this community” said Page.
Those currently staying in the shelter have reacted positively to the changes in
the kitchen.
“A few days ago, I was at the shelter and two clients who have staying at the shelter from the beginning of the remodel until now approached me and told me that it is now their favorite room in the house,” Page said. “This was awesome to hear.”