{"id":6678,"date":"2025-03-09T08:36:00","date_gmt":"2025-03-09T15:36:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.realtyexecutives.com\/blog\/?p=6678"},"modified":"2025-02-10T18:01:21","modified_gmt":"2025-02-11T01:01:21","slug":"building-community-habitat-for-humanity-george-to-the-rescue-partner-in-new-jersey","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.realtyexecutives.com\/blog\/building-community-habitat-for-humanity-george-to-the-rescue-partner-in-new-jersey","title":{"rendered":"Building Community: Habitat for Humanity & George to the Rescue Partner in New Jersey"},"content":{"rendered":"
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\"Rebecca's<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

In a heartwarming collaboration, Habitat for Humanity of Northwest New Jersey teamed up with the popular renovation show, George to the Rescue, to transform an all-purpose gathering space at Rebecca’s Homestead. This project not only provided a multi-functional area for residents but also highlighted the power of community and partnerships in creating meaningful change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Leading the charge for Habitat for Humanity was Pam Vreeland of Realty Executives Exceptional Realtors\u00ae and a crew of more than a dozen volunteers focused on improving the lives of the adult special needs residents that have made their home at Rebecca\u2019s Homestead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

About Rebecca\u2019s Homestead<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Rebecca\u2019s Homestead<\/a> is in Wantage, New Jersey. Its tagline is appropriately \u201cWhere All Are Welcome Inn.\u201d  The goal of the facility and program is \u201cto create an inclusive and sustainable community by providing differently abled adults housing and a self-sustaining lifestyle.\u201d  Residents of the homestead participate in farming, gardening, art, and other hospitality employment opportunities as part of their daily routines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Founders Dennis and Michele Elmers created Rebecca\u2019s Homestead in honor of their daughter, Rebecca, and the friends they met along their journey to access adequate care and programs for disabled adults. Their desire was to create a space that focused on employment training and community and shied away from the traditional sense of a residential facility.<\/p>\n\n\n

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\"The<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

The all-purpose, shared space at Rebecca\u2019s Homestead is a vital part of the residential community, functioning as a hub for social gatherings, educational programs, and skill-building. However, the room had long needed a makeover to be handicap accessible and better serve its diverse purposes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Vreeland, Habitat for Humanity Working to Build Communities<\/h2>\n\n\n
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\"Pam<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Pam Vreeland has always been more than a real estate professional; she is a community builder at heart- whether within the professional community or various towns in northwest New Jersey. Vreeland has 25 years of experience working as a realtor and with local real estate professionals at the Sussex County Association, where she was named Realtor\u00ae of the Year<\/a> in 2023. Additionally, she has headed committees for fundraising for the National Alliance on Mental Illness, coordinated blood drives, and dedicated numerous years to the Lake Mohawk Preservation Foundation. Vreeland and her husband also own a farm where they rent part of the farm to offer therapy through animals for mental health, trauma, autism, and special needs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, Vreeland says she has found her passion project in Habitat for Humanity. Vreeland initially became involved with Habitat for Humanity after participating in Realtors\u00ae Care Day, a National Association of REALTORS\u00ae sponsored community outreach initiative. As part of the program, grants are available to members of the community for home repairs and renovations, and if awarded, are completed with the help of the local Habitat for Humanity chapter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Vreeland joined Habitat for Humanity of Sussex County<\/a> as a board member in 2022.  After six months, she became the President of the chapter. The Sussex chapter previously worked with Rebecca\u2019s Homestead to make repairs to the facility and build new additions for the residents. The chapter\u2019s previous experience with Rebecca\u2019s Homestead is how Vreeland and Habitat for Humanity identified the need to remodel the multi-purpose space.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

George to the Rescue Steps In<\/h2>\n\n\n
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\"The<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

The renovation project took an exciting turn when George to the Rescue<\/em><\/a>, the NBC show known for its heartfelt renovations, joined the effort. Hosted by George Oliphant, the show specializes in turning dreams into reality for deserving individuals and organizations. George and his team were immediately drawn to the story of Rebecca\u2019s Homestead and the collaborative effort behind the renovation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The team from George to the Rescue worked tirelessly to reimagine the space. The designers and staff paid careful attention to the needs and preferences of the residents, resulting in a room that would be both functional and welcoming. A crew of twelve members from Habitat for Humanity conducted the renovation work with help from sponsor, 3M<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The vision included:<\/p>\n\n\n\n