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April
3, 2006
VOL.
44, NO. 7Oakland,
CA
Crisis Nursery to benefit from ‘miracle makeover’
An immigrant
carpenter from the Czech Republic, who resettled in the East Bay eight
years ago in search of the American Dream, has been blessed with an abundance
of work, sometimes more than he can handle.
Now Ondrej Uma, owner of Artifex Fortunatus (Latin for “lucky craftsman”)
in Pleasant Hill, wants to say a special “thank you” to his
adopted community by doing what he know best — building, this time
for free.
He is spearheading a “miracle makeover” project to refurbish
the Bay Area Crisis Nursery in Concord. So far, he has rounded up 17 builders
and home suppliers to help him in his project. They will provide skilled
labor, materials and services, also free of charge.
The nursery, founded by Sister Ann Weltz 25 years ago, provides a temporary
home for children, birth through age 11, whose parents are unable to care
for them during times of stress or crisis. The nursery’s goal is
to prevent the abuse and neglect of young children and to give parents
the time they need to resolve their difficulties.
Sandy Hathaway, community relations coordinator, said the nursery staff
has cared for their young guests under the most trying of circumstances,
including a leaking roof, drainage problems, a sinking foundation, non-energy
efficient windows, inadequate insulation, constantly cracking linoleum
tiles, and less than cheerful playrooms because the windows are too small
to let in enough light.
Bedrooms have been flooded because of the drainage problems, which, in
turn, have caused the foundation to sink below the level of the yard.
“We keep sump pumps running during rain, but if they clog we are
in trouble,” she said. “Staff has to keep going out in the
pouring rain at night, and checking that the pumps are not clogged.”
When flooding occurs, the nursery has to close, commercially dry the rooms,
then install new carpeting.
When Ondrej Uma walked through the nursery doors last December, he couldn’t
have shown up at a better time. Uma and his wife, Markeda, had decided
that they wanted to do something to help kids as a way of expressing gratitude
for their good fortune in America, so they began checking out a few local
non-profit organizations.
The actual building renovation is scheduled to begin in June. This timing
is especially good because it will give Uma and Hathaway the opportunity
to round up additional volunteers. Both skilled and unskilled labor is
needed.
Hathaway says that if a local business, group, faith community or union
wants to join Uma in giving back to the community, they can phone him
at (925) 787-8663 or herself at (925) 685-6633.
East Bay Area businesses already signed up to participate are: Artifex;
Brent Randall, architect; DeBolt Civil Engineers; O’Connor Freeman
& Associates; Frank Zablocki, general contractor; Graphic Reproductions;
Yelton Company Inc.; Joe Walsh Custom Drywall; Newpane.com; ProSource
Wholesale Floor Coverings of Concord; DuraBilt Truss; Waldo; Crown Electric;
Ace’s Plumbing; Musacchio & Montanari, P.C.; Moulding Masters;
Superior Electric Supply Co., and GAF Materials Corporation.
