|
(Paramus, NJ) February 26, 2008 - Children's Aid and Family Services' Woodlea group home in Ridgewood desperately needed an updated kitchen. With up to 10 girls and three staff members living in the house, approximately 208 meals are prepared every week. And that doesn't include two snacks per day for each girl. Then there is the matter of storage. The staff shops twice a week for groceries, and purchases large amounts of staple items, including four gallons of milk, three dozen eggs and three loaves of bread per trip.
Until recently, they made do with a kitchen that had last been renovated 25 years ago, and lacked organization and appropriate storage space. But that changed when Barbara Abney Bolger, President of the Woodlea/PATH I Advisory Council, approached David Ulrich, of Ulrich, Inc., and asked him for ideas to spruce up the kitchen. Mr. Ulrich took a tour of the dated space, and said it needed a complete renovation. Since he was working with a nonprofit organization with a limited budget, he did everything possible to keep costs low. He donated his services as project manager, as well as the services of Ulrich Inc., Designer Gabriel Jordan, and obtained substantial discounts and donations from subcontractors and suppliers.
"I don't know how many times David said to me 'Don't worry, we'll take care of it,'" said Ms. Bolger. "I couldn't believe the time and effort he gave to this project. His generosity and professionalism can't be overstated."
For his part, Mr. Ulrich had no hesitation about leading the project. "I have served on the Woodlea/PATH I Advisory Council, and have always had a soft spot for Woodlea," he said. "It was natural for Ulrich to participate."
The project included new, darker cabinets to match the house's woodwork, as well as new countertops, flooring, wallpaper, paint, and energy-efficient appliances and lighting. Additionally, Ulrich Inc., renovated Woodlea's laundry room, which is adjacent to the kitchen, to create more storage and enhanced lighting. They built a large pantry, added cabinets, installed new lighting, flooring, and added a modern, half-glass exterior door.
"We wanted the new kitchen to not only function more efficiently, but also be attractive," said Ulrich Inc., Designer Gabriel Jordan. "The redesigned kitchen, with much needed increased counter space, allows multiple cooks to work comfortably."
The project was especially important for the girls and staff at Woodlea. "The girls at Woodlea usually come from difficult backgrounds of trauma, so we strive to create a warm and comfortable home for them. This kitchen is the hub of the house, and the girls and staff love the results," says Mrs. Bolger.
The Woodlea house was purchased by the Junior League of Bergen County in 1973, and completely renovated by volunteers. It was donated to Children's Aid and Family Services and opened as a group home in December 1973.
"We are overwhelmed by the generosity of Ulrich, Inc., and are tremendously grateful for the amazing work of such a community-minded company," said Liz Mason, Executive Vice President of Children's Aid and Family Services.
Children's Aid and Family Services is one of the largest regional, nonprofit human services organizations serving northern New Jersey. The agency is fully accredited and has served the community for more than 100 years. Its mission is to preserve, protect and, when needed, provide families. Motivated by compassion for vulnerable children, young adults, frail elderly and their families, it provides high-quality and innovative services that meet their social, educational and emotional needs. For more information, call 201-261-2800 or visit www.cafsnj.org.
|
