Photo of the Attendees
Linda Lewis, Associate Executive Director of the Shepherd's Center of Winston-Salem, nominated the Epiphany Builders for a Governor's Volunteer Service Award. It is an honor to be considered for such an award. This recognition is given by Hands On Northwest North Carolina and is co-sponsored by the Winston-Salem Journal, Salem College and the United Way of Forsyth County.
The Epiphany Builders won the award in the Family of Faith category!
Our entire work calendar for 2014 was taken into consideration. This included how many builders participated and how many hours they worked, the number and type of projects we completed and where we worked. We also provided references.
The verse every EB member knows and understands: "Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God." Hebrews 13:16
Again, congratulations to a fantastic group of people! ~Carolyn
| Nominee: | Epiphany Builders |
| Nominator: | Linda Lewis of The Shepherd's Center of Greater Winston-Salem |
| Reasons for nomination: | The Shepherd's Center of Greater Winston-Salem nominates The Epiphany Builders of Epiphany Lutheran Church for their service to the older adults in our community. We first learned of The Epiphany Builders when one of our home repair volunteers recruited them to help with repairing a floor for one of our clients. This team of dedicated volunteers put their full energy into this project. Even when the work exceeded what they expected, they kept at it with a positive attitude, always focused on meeting the need in a compassionate way. As a result of that experience, the group asked if they could designate approximately one day a month as their "Shepherd's Center Day," a day they would dedicate to doing a project for one of our clients. Their dedication and commitment during 2014 has resulted in better living conditions for the older adults who have benefited from their skills and hard work. In addition, we have learned that this group's commitment extends to their own church community and to needs wherever they can be of assistance. |
| Nominee's outstanding commitment: | The Epiphany Builders have assisted with building projects across the state and even in other states. When they approached The Shepherd's Center about partnering with us through our home repair program, they expressed the realization that even though much of their energy is spent assisting other communities affected by disasters or poverty, there are tremendous needs here in our own community that they have the capacity to address. They felt called to use their skills to assist their older neighbors right here at home. As a result, they have contributed a total of approximately 245 man-hours helping older adults here in our community through The Shepherd's Center. We learned, however, that this is just the tip of the iceberg for them. In addition, they have given 216 man-hours to assist the Binn-Counts Community Center in Chinco, Virginia; 638 man-hours helping to renovate cabins at Novus Way Lutheran Camps; 100 man-hours on repair projects for members of their church; and 8 man-hours doing repairs in their church's Early Childhood Center. Their compassion and generosity is truly a source of inspiration. In the words of one of their church members who has witnessed their commitment, "Our congregation can be proud of the Epiphany Builders. They do excellent work and give up so much of their time, energy and comfort for the sake of others. They are humble, often giving of their own funds to fill in the gaps." |
| Nominee's outstanding accomplishments: | As a result of their partnership with The Shepherd's Center during 2014, a woman's bathroom floor has been repaired and outdoor handrails have been constructed for three people. All of these older adults are safer and more secure as a result of the work done in their homes. In addition to meeting these essential needs, last fall The Epiphany Builders went above and beyond when they learned about one of our clients, a 110-year-old woman, whose one wish was for a small deck that would give her a place to sit outside in the sunshine. When Mike Spain, the group's leader, shared this need with the team, they eagerly accepted the challenge. By mid-October, with funding from the woman's church and several days of labor by the Builders, this woman's dream became a reality and she was able to enjoy some beautiful fall days on her deck. Without the dedication and skills of The Epiphany Builders, these needs and wishes may not have been met. The joy and contentment experienced by that 110-year-old woman is a priceless gift. |
| Nominee's special skills/qualities: | Several things make The Epiphany Builders an outstanding volunteer group. They are highly skilled in many areas of construction; they are organized and well-coordinated as a team; they are passionate in their desire to help others, especially those less fortunate or forgotten. Above all that, they exude joy in all they do. No matter what the task or how hard the labor, they seem to have a good time. That joyful spirit is contagious and multiplies the impact they have on the people they are helping. |