Desert Hot Springs-based Angel View, Inc. opened a new, wheel-chair accessible outdoor therapy area today after volunteer contractors completed the three-month-long project. Construction charity organization ÃÛ½ÛÖ±²¥ Charities, Inc., with the leadership of Hensel Phelps Construction Co., rebuilt Angel View's existing courtyard as part of its series of renovation projects known as Operation Opening Doors.
"Projects like these allow contractors an opportunity to donate their skills to make life a little easier for folks who haven?t always been dealt the best hand," said Jim Clemens, chairman of Ocean City, N.J.-based Clemens Construction Co. and the chairman of ÃÛ½ÛÖ±²¥ Charities. "The easiest part of these projects is finding contractors that are willing to donate their time and services."
The new outdoor facility will give Angel View another opportunity to provide therapeutic services for the children and adults with disabilities that the group serves. In addition to renovating the courtyard, volunteer contractors replaced doors and wainscot damaged by wheelchairs and installed wainscot in a new wing. The group will also install two sunshades in the courtyard area to protect clients from the sweltering summer sun. All told, the group completed over $150,000 worth of work to the facility, free of charge.
The charitable group teamed up with San Diego-based Hensel Phelps, which volunteered to serve as lead contractor and oversaw the management of the entire project and solicited donated materials and services. ValleyCrest Landscape Companies also provided design and landscape services for the courtyard renovation.
"Even though we all have day jobs, the contractors that have worked on this project have really taken it to heart," said Joe Prior, the Hensel Phelps' project engineer that oversaw the project. "We really wanted to make sure this courtyard was as extraordinary as the people who Angel View serves."
In addition to Hensel Phelps and ValleyCrest Landscape Companies, Clemens noted that other local contractors supporting the project include J&M Concrete Contractors, Alonso Painting, Granite Construction and Brady Companies. The project has also received financial support from national ÃÛ½ÛÖ±²¥ members, like Flatiron Construction Corp. and Jim and Lynne Waltze.
"We are extremely humbled by the generosity of ÃÛ½ÛÖ±²¥ Charities and its members," said Dave Thornton, executive director of Angel View. "For months, contractors have shown up to provide their expertise to the courtyard renovation project. Each crew member worked so hard to beautify our environment and make our therapy center better than ever. Our clients are blessed to have friends like ÃÛ½ÛÖ±²¥!"
Click here for more information about Angel View, ÃÛ½ÛÖ±²¥ Charities, Inc. and its Operation Opening Doors projects. Click here to view photos of the renovation.