Construction to Begin on 8th Annual Cottage Makeover
~ Event Marks the Make-Over of the Final 3 Cottages ~
(June 4, 2024 – Reno, Nev.) – Today The Builders Association/Builders Association Charity (BAC), The Children’s Cabinet’s Washoe Youth Build Program and area home builders joined STEP2’s staff, board members and clients to kick-off BAC2Gether, the 8th Annual Cottage Makeover. The event marks the beginning of the renovation of the final three cottages to receive a make-over at STEP2’s Lighthouse campus.
Each year STEP2 identifies several cottages in need of renovations and repairs. The cottages are available to women, and their families, who are undergoing substance use disorder treatment on their path to recovery. Throughout the past eight years, the homebuilders, subcontractors, and suppliers of northern Nevada have generously renovated 23 cottages on the campus, donating their services and materials to create safe and welcoming spaces.
“This milestone will bring our cherished partnership with STEP2 full circle as we renovate the final cottages, showcasing the collaborative efforts of the home building community who have dedicated their time and resources in creating spaces that make the home a sanctuary for the women who will reside here,” said Corry Castaneda, president of The Builders Association Charity.
This year’s three northern Nevada homebuilders, Di Loreto Homes of Nevada, Ryder Homes and Toll Brothers, will each complete their one-bedroom, one-bath cottage. While each cottage is touched up after a family moves from their STEP2 experience, this is the first time these cottages will receive such an extensive make-over.
The collaboration between the two organizations has delivered an estimated benefit of over one million dollars to STEP2. This includes funding for renovations, furnishings, new paint, carpeting, and modern updates to kitchens and bathrooms, including appliances, products, and décor. Additionally, STEP2 clients who move into the cottages are allowed to take the furnishings with them when they leave.
“This project has been a wonderful gift to STEP2 over these past 8 years,” said Mari Hutchinson, CEO of STEP2. “We are enormously grateful to the Builder’s Association and its Charity and to all the local builders and subcontractors who have put so much work and love into remodeling our cottages. We are excited to kick off this year’s project and look forward to welcoming the community to our campus for the celebration.”
A notable addition this year is the involvement of The Children’s Cabinet’s Washoe YouthBuild program. Washoe YouthBuild is an educational and occupational skills training program for youth that provides an opportunity to re-engage in their education and obtain the skills necessary for a fulfilling career. Students from this program will join participating homebuilders and subcontractors, gaining valuable hands-on experience and practical skills in the construction field.
“This project is a remarkable opportunity for our YouthBuild participants to gain hands-on work experience while making a meaningful impact on their community. This collaboration not only enhances living spaces for women and children in need but also provides youth with the opportunity to further their education and prepare for the workforce,” Kim Young, CEO, The Children’s Cabinet.
Completion of the cottages is slated for late September 2024.
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About STEP2:
STEP2 is a comprehensive residential and out-patient treatment program that provides women struggling to overcome substance use disorders, poverty and family violence the opportunity to rebuild their lives. Information about STEP2 is available on the company’s website and social media, which can be accessed via our website.
About The Builders Association of Northern Nevada:
The Builders Association of Northern Nevada is a non-profit organization dedicated to connecting the community with the people who build it. Since 1956 we have been committed to advocacy, educating, and representing our membership and the building industry. For more information, visit us online.
About the Builders Association Charity:
Giving Back to the Communities We Build.” The Builders Association Charity is dedicated, through the utilization of talents and gifts of the construction industry, to supporting Northern Nevada families and the military.
Media Contact:
Tiffany East
tiffany@tiffanyeastpr.com | 775-250-8092
