Greetings!

Every day, I see how extraordinary our volunteers, partners, and donors are—and how much we can accomplish together to ensure safe and healthy housing for homeowners in our community. Together, we bring comfort, safety, and independence to neighbors who need it most.

Our longtime partner, Dulin United Methodist Church, is a shining example of this commitment, demonstrating the power of community collaboration. We're pleased to share their National Rebuilding Day project story below.

Across the region, our partners and Rebuilding Together Express volunteers tackle challenging projects with creativity, compassion, and teamwork—transforming houses into safe, welcoming homes for those who need them most.

Team Leaders like Ken Mittelholtz inspire us all with their lifelong dedication to service, We are pleased to welcome Chad Brofermaker to our Board of Directors as we continue to strengthen our mission and expand our impact.

To every volunteer, supporter, and partner—thank you. Your generosity, time, and heart make hope tangible and lasting for the homeowners we serve.

#WeAreRebuilders

RT-AFF partner Dulin United Methodist Church is always ready to take on complex projects—and National Rebuilding Day 2025 was no different. Their volunteer team designed and built a custom wheelchair ramp for Ms. B, a Falls Church homeowner who has lived in her home since 1978.

Ms. B lives with an autoimmune disease that limits her mobility, and after a fall that injured her ankle, she began using a wheelchair. Her front porch, once a welcoming entryway, had become a major barrier. Getting to medical appointments or visiting friends and family required great effort and the constant help of her partner.

The Dulin team came together to restore not just access, but independence and dignity. Over the course of the project, they measured, planned and built a sturdy ramp that now allows Ms. B to leave her home safely and confidently.

Ms. B shared her heartfelt gratitude:

“It was so hard for me to get in and out of my home—I was housebound for months at a time. I can now leave my house and return safely. Your compassion for the elderly and disabled is greatly appreciated, and it gives caregivers such a lift. Thank you!!!”

Strongly devoted to helping others, the Dulin team embodies what community is all about—making mobility, connection, and hope possible for neighbors in need.

Check out our Flickr for more photos of Dulin working on the ramp, and photos of many other partner and RT Express teams at work.

We’re pleased to welcome Chad Brofermaker to the Rebuilding Together-AFF Board of Directors. Chad brings more than 20 years of experience in the housing industry and a passion for helping homeowners live safely and independently. As a home remodeling business leader, he’s guided many clients through aging-in-place modifications.

After meeting Board Member Dawn Wilson at a networking event, Chad was inspired to get involved and give back. His commitment to safe and healthy homes is also personal. Growing up in a close-knit Brooklyn neighborhood, Chad gained a deep respect for older adults and the power of community. When his wife's grandfather moved into their home, Chad made modifications to keep him safe. He cherished the time they had together - listening to stories from World War II, sharing a nightly amaretto, and watching TV shows together.

As a new board member, Chad looks forward to using his expertise and connections to help RT-AFF recruit volunteers, strengthen industry partnerships, and expand our impact in the community. 

A Lifelong Commitment to Service: Meet Team Leader
Ken Mittelholtz

For longtime Rebuilding Together team leader Ken Mittelholtz, helping others is a lifelong calling. From teaching science in The Gambia as a two-time Peace Corps volunteer to a career protecting the environment with the Coast Guard and EPA, Ken’s life reflects a deep commitment to service. Since 1994, he’s led volunteer teams making homes safer for older adults and people with disabilities. Guided by his belief that “to be part of a village, you need to be a villager,” Ken continues to build community and compassion—one repair at a time.

read more......

Doers Profiles

Kevin Bruestle - Engineer by career, adventurer at heart.

Dan Feighery (l) with Don Ryan - from B-52's to cameras, bringing every moment into focus.

John Maher - global diplomat, language lover and
hands on helper.

Read these and other Doers Profiles by visiting our website.

Imagine having to choose between buying medicine or paying for a plumber. Putting food on the table or fixing gutters that flood the basement every time it rains. These are the harsh realities our neighbors in need face every day.

But together, we can change that. Your donation to Rebuilding Together-AFF provides essential, free home repairs and modifications—so families and older adults don’t have to sacrifice their health or safety to make ends meet.

Please give today. Every gift helps create a safer, healthier home—and a better future.

Rebuilding Together Arlington/Fairfax/Falls Church

Phone 703.528.1999 | Fax 703.528.1197

info@rebuildingtogether-aff.org | www.rebuildingtogether-aff.org