Volunteers leverage power for building

Thanks to the 130 Building Goodness Foundation volunteers who came out for BGF’s Fall Building Project Oct. 17-24. These folks contributed more than 800 hours to complete projects at The Arc of the Piedmont, Virginia Institute of Autism and Offender Aid and Restoration.
At The Arc of the Piedmont, volunteers made improvements to several homes to improve the functionality, safety and health of the environment as well as providing cosmetic improvements and adding to their ambience. Building Goodness Foundation volunteers gave VIA’s buildings a facelift, including much needed repairs and painting, and will construct a new shed to house landscaping equipment. At OAR, volunteers did renovations to provide individual secure and confidential office space necessary for OAR staff to provide case management, supervision and counsel for the clients that they serve.
Building Goodness Foundation is a nonprofit organization that brings together volunteer architects, engineers, skilled craftspeople from the building industry and other dedicated individuals to construct well-designed and properly engineered community buildings. The structures include, but are not limited to, medical clinics, schools, community centers and, in some cases, specialized residential projects.
Two things set Building Goodness Foundation apart from many other non-profits: its emphasis on partnerships and its ability to leverage resources.
Building Goodness Foundation projects always involve a partnership with another nonprofit organization. These organizations know how to run their programs but do not know how to design, fund and deliver a building. The nonprofit partner funds the materials and BGF volunteers design, manage, and build the structure. Because of the efforts of BGF volunteers the completed value of the projects averaged three times the original investment made by the nonprofit partner.
The collaboration between Building Goodness Foundation and OAR, VIA and The Arc is an exceptional example of the power of partnerships to make good things happen. Thanks again to all who participated.

Connie Jorgensen
Charlottesville

Connie Jorgensen is director of community relations for the Building Goodness Foundation.