Greetings!

As we close out another remarkable year, I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone who made contributions to Rebuilding Together–AFF on Giving Tuesday, through year-end contributions, and throughout the year.

Whether you volunteered, made a financial gift, shared our mission, or simply stayed connected through our newsletters, your support has strengthened our community in meaningful and lasting ways.

Because of your generosity and the dedication of volunteers across our region, we’ve repaired more than 2,920 homes since 1988—bringing safety, comfort, and renewed confidence to neighbors in Arlington, Fairfax, and Falls Church. This impact is possible only because so many caring people believe that everyone deserves a safe and healthy place to call home.

In this month’s newsletter, you’ll read stories that reflect the best of that spirit: volunteers expanding a life-changing stairlift program, creative fundraising efforts that help sustain our work, and team leaders who bring both skill and compassion to every project. You’ll also find remembrances of two volunteers whose legacy continues to inspire us.

As we reflect on this year’s achievements, I am truly grateful for the compassion and commitment you bring to this mission. Every repaired home, every homeowner supported, and every moment of relief begins with someone like you choosing to help.

Thank you, and warm wishes for a joyful holiday season and a happy, healthy New Year.

#WeAreRebuilders

With appreciation,

This month, our stairlift team brought safety and renewed independence to a homeowner recovering from a stroke. Although he is proud and sometimes hesitant to accept help, the addition of a stairlift in his home is a meaningful step toward restoring his ability to move safely and confidently between floors.

This installation was led by two of our dedicated volunteers, Lou Wood and David Throckmorton. Their expertise and care are remarkable on their own, but what makes their involvement truly special is their commitment to training others. As they complete each installation, they are also teaching additional volunteers how to install and maintain stairlifts—expanding the capacity of this life-changing program for homeowners.

During the most recent installation, the homeowner’s son joined the team to learn how to operate the stairlift so he can guide his father through the transition. The entire family has rallied around him throughout his recovery—offering encouragement, restructuring their routines, and ensuring he never feels alone. One son even works from his parents’ home so he can assist throughout the day. Their commitment, paired with the support of our volunteers, reflects the best of what community care can look like.

Stories like this highlight the heart of our mission: neighbors gaining independence, families finding relief, and volunteers sharing their skills to help more people remain safe at home.

We are deeply grateful to Lou, David, and every volunteer who makes moments like this possible.

At the same time, Dawn Wilson, Vice Chair of our Board and an agent with TTR Sotheby’s International Realty, hosted a holiday cookie party with a meaningful twist. She invited guests to support our program through donations—and then generously matched every contribution. The festive cookie swap was filled with warm conversation, holiday treats, and incredible generosity. Thanks to Dawn, her husband Whitney, and their gathering of clients and friends, more than $8,000 was raised to support safe and healthy homes.

As Dawn’s board term comes to a close, we are grateful for her service, leadership, and unwavering commitment to our mission. Her fundraising efforts will leave a lasting legacy of safe and healthy homes for our neighbors.

We’re very thankful for board members like Bryan and Dawn, whose creativity and dedication lift our mission every day. Their generosity helps us reach more neighbors and demonstrates the power of a caring community.

Completing the Circuit from Engineering to Home Repair

This month, we’re excited to highlight Mark Heslep, an RT-AFF Team Leader whose wide-ranging background—from early days on construction sites to a distinguished career in electrical engineering—gives him a unique toolkit for volunteering. After years developing advanced electronics and solving complex problems in military and aviation systems, Mark now applies that same steady focus and thoughtful leadership to helping neighbors live safely at home.

Since joining RT-AFF after retirement, he has become an invaluable team leader known for his calm approach, practical know-how, and ability to bring volunteers together to accomplish impressive work in just a few hours.

For Mark, the reward is simple: “You can clearly see what we do is worthwhile and really helping people.”

There’s much more to his story—his competitive athletic achievements, his engineering adventures, and the philosophy that guides him on and off the job site.

read more......

We remember with gratitude two treasured volunteers who recently passed away: Mac Mercer, longtime National Rebuilding Day house captain for Fairfax Presbyterian Church, and Mel Youngworth a volunteer with the King of Kings Lutheran Church team. Their generosity, spirit, and unwavering commitment to helping neighbors in need have left a legacy that will continue to inspire us.

Mac Mercer

Mel Youngworth

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