A Mother's Day Spark: My Journey to Hope

Michelle V. at the Hope Renovations Mother's Day building event!

In 2021, I took my daughter-in-law and grandkids to a Hope Mother’s Day building together program. We built and painted bird feeders, used power drills and met Nora and members of the Hope team. Nora had a clear vision of what she wanted Hope to accomplish - after that I was hooked on Hope. My father was a general contractor, and I was a former VP and designer at an interior design firm in Washington, DC – building is in my blood.  I always loved my time on the job site watching the drawings become what we envisioned with the skills of talented workers. Accessibility for ‘aging in place’ is a passion due to my husband’s disabilities after battling brain cancer. Honestly, how could I not find that Hope Renovations is the perfect charity for me?” When asked how she thinks her contribution impacts Hope, Vernon stated, “Not only does Hope help women find amazing careers and earning potential, but what I love is the confidence they give women, which is invaluable.”

"When their mission is described, one’s first thought is usually: Why hasn’t anyone done this? Hope has made more of us aware of the need for women in trades. It has helped people find financial alternatives for supporting their families. It is such a win-win program for the students, trainees, and those they help. Well, Hope is doing it now –building bridges in the building community and the local areas they serve." - Michelle V.