DCED Grant Update

 In June 2008, OOR Newsletter announced that OOR would offer free adaptive modifications to qualified handicapped residents of Crawford County, through a grant from the PA Department of Community and Economic Development. By the end of the first grant year on June 30, Dave Willey, Site Manager at OOR Cambridge Springs, expects to meet the stated goal of 25 completed projects.
 
 The women’s crew at Cambridge Springs, with Instructor Greg Scott and Instructor Aide Kalobe Miller, have worked on a steady stream of projects, while maintaining a waiting list of clients. The projects include door and hallway widening, ramps, decks and bathroom modifications.
 
 Response from clients who have had work done has ranged from appreciative to touching. Dave Willey described his experience while going to estimate a job, the installation of a fence at the home of a five year old autistic child.
 
 In explaining who Dave was, the mother told her son, “This gentleman is going to put up a fence so you can go outside and play.” The boy ran to Dave and hugged him. “I had a hard time not choking up completely,” Dave said.

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Providing vocational training for offenders by offering needed constructino and repair services to low income homeowners and non-profit organizations. OOR supports state and county governments who want to see offenders repay their debt to the community while acquiring vocational training which may help them to avoid returning to prison.