Just in time for the holidays, Lee BIA Builders Care, the nonprofit charitable arm of the Lee Building Industry Association (BIA), came together with Land Solutions, Inc. to reveal an extensive home remodel for a Fort Myers family who is caring for a 7-year-old boy that was left motherless and quadriplegic following a fatal car crash. On Dec. 1, community partners and volunteers gathered at the home of the Stafford family to reveal the many improvements that will help enhance the child’s quality of life.
In 2012, Kassandra Stafford’s sister, Kathryn, was killed on impact in a fatal head-on collision. Kathryn’s 2-year-old son, Victor, survived the accident, but suffered traumatic brain injuries. He is now a quadriplegic and is confined to a wheelchair. Following this life-changing tragedy, Kassandra immediately adopted her nephew when he was left with no other immediate family to care for him. Between work, school and raising three children – Victor plus Kassandra and her husband’s two biological children, Tavian (9) and Jaiya (5) – it has been difficult to find time or financial resources to address these needs.
Lee BIA Builders Care and Land Solutions have partnered to provide home improvements that will help the family live more comfortably. The home remodel was provided at no cost to the homeowners thanks to community partner suppliers and contractors, who donated their equipment and services. In addition to Land Solutions, contributing companies include Barraco & Associates, The Seitz Family and Advance Homes, Joan and Gunther Reese, Eagle Fence, Modern Tile & Carpet, Bruno Air, Wright Construction, Neubert Construction Services, Preferred Materials, Nilles Design Group, Cape Coral Plumbing, Young’s Electric, Aqua Systems, Honc Demolition and Recycling, Garden Street Portables, A. Hansen Landscapes, Taulman Pest Control, Cabinets Plus, Mike’s Drywall Services, Suncoast Contractors Supply, Sterling Shell Contractors and Triple J Trucking.
The project included a full bathroom remodel to allow for handicap accessibility, sloping concrete to the home entrance, widened doors, installation of a new HVAC unit and water softening system, updated landscaping, and the installation of a chain length backyard fence.
“We are grateful for the extensive efforts of Land Solutions and their partners to bring together a much-needed home remodel for this special family,” said Christi Pritchett, executive director of Lee BIA Builders Care. “Updates throughout the home will be essential for enhancing the quality of life for Victor, and we’re thrilled to reveal this life-changing gift to the Stafford family in time for the holidays.”
About Lee Builders Care
Lee BIA Builders Care is the nonprofit charitable arm of the Lee Building Industry Association (BIA). Its mission is to provide emergency home repairs and construction services to elderly, disabled and economically disadvantaged people who are unable to obtain home repairs through traditional means. To date, Lee BIA Builders Care has put more than $4.25 million in construction services back into the community at no cost to homeowners in need. Lee Builders Care enlists the volunteer services of Lee BIA members and leverages grants and donated materials to provide construction and remodeling services to qualified homeowners throughout Lee County. Lee Builders Care is headquartered at the Lee BIA office at 6835 International Center Blvd., Suite 4, in Fort Myers. The Building Industry Association (www.BIA.net ) is a 63-year-old association affiliated with National Home Builders Association and Florida Home Builders Association that serves to strengthen our community by advancing a professional building industry through advocacy, education and services. Donations can be made online at www.LeeBuildersCare.com. More information is available by calling 239-938-0056. Follow Builders Care at Facebook.com/LeeBuildersCare or on Twitter @LeeBuildersCare.
