Imagine if the government could turn every $1 of taxes into $7 worth of services (hell, even $2 would be amazing). There is one organization that can deliver those impressive stats: Rebuilding Together Peninsula (RTP). RTP, along with its program assistant, Julianne Felix, 26, are changing the face of communities in San Mateo and Northern Santa Clara county in California. Through volunteers and donations, RTP helps in renovating the homes and community centers of low-income individuals and families. Think Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, but saner. Their efforts and efficiencies are just a small marvel compared to the number of lives that have been bettered as a result. Find out more about RTP in this week’s Non-Profit Spotlight.
B.A. in History and Minor in English at the University of California at Davis. Degree completed June 2003
Past Experience
I worked for an international logistics business in South San Francisco prior to Rebuilding Together Peninsula.
Ethnicity
Filipino, Bay Area/California
About the Non-profit
Rebuilding Together Peninsula (RTP) is a non-profit organization that coordinates volunteers and donated money to rehabilitate the homes and community facilities of low-income, senior, and disabled families in San Mateo County and Northern Santa Clara County for free so that they can live in warmth, safety, and independence.
Most notable milestones
Since 1989, over 63,800 Rebuilding Together Peninsula volunteers have renovated 753 homes and 185 community facilities in 19 cities. Each dollar we have received in donations is leveraged into $7 worth of repairs.
What’s the niche?
We have partnered with many organizations to leverage our resources and develop an active client referral system. Known as a leader in innovation and cost-effectiveness, RTP has been honored by local politicians and organizations for our commitment to rebuilding the community. RTP continually strives to fulfill its mission for clients and supporters alike, and is taking significant strides to achieve this important work. We rely on the community to support and execute our mission. There are many opportunities for involvement in our organization from making a cash donation, volunteering your time and expertise, or sponsoring a home or community center project.
What’s the biggest challenge?
The biggest challenge is that we have a high demand of services from our clients, but not enough money, time, or skilled volunteers to help everyone.
What’s in store for the future?
We are planning to complete several more renovation projects this summer, along with finishing up some roof repair/replacement projects.
Who would you like to be contacted by?
I would like to be contacted by individuals or community facilities who would qualify for our free services. To be eligible to apply for our free home repair program, one must be a low-income homeowner and live in their own home in San Mateo County, Palo Alto, Mountain View, Los Altos, or Sunnyvale. To be eligible to apply to our free community center repair program, the facility must be a non-profit organization, community center, church, school, or childcare center. In addition, they must serve at least 50% low-income clients (25% for childcare centers) and either own the building they are occupying or have a long-term lease with the landlord. I would also like to be contacted by somebody who may know an individual, family, or community facility who may qualify for our services.
I would also like to be contacted by construction companies interested in doing something good for the community, interested volunteers with basic construction/renovation knowledge who would like to lead and manage one of our a projects, and interested volunteers with plumbing, electrical, or carpentry skills who would like to be part of our community-changing efforts.
We work a lot with senior citizens, disabled individuals, and other vulnerable populations. Although, I am not classified under “vulnerable populations,” I always strive to treat every individual with respect. We are all human beings regardless of our differences.
Yardstick of success
I used to think that the yardstick of success was the higher number of clients we helped, the more successful we were. I learned that the genuine yardstick of success is the number of happy clients in the end and the number of volunteers who come back to our program the next year.
Goal yet to be achieved
In the years to come, I hope to obtain my Master’s Degree in Business with an emphasis in marketing or non-profit management. I would like to work more extensively as an outreach coordinator within the community to help increase the visibility of our organization so we can find new clients, vendors, donors, and skilled volunteers.
Best practical advice
Don’t waste time complaining about what’s wrong with the world. Take action to create change. You may not be able to save the entire world, but you can create an enormous amount of positive change in the world one step at a time. I would rather change the lives of 1,000 people in my life than none at all.
Supportive words from a family member or friend on your venture
“Make a living of your passion. It’s possible that you could be making a living with an enormous salary, but ask yourself if you are truly fulfilled and happy. Remember that you live only once. Don’t regret it.”
Mentor
Our program director, Mark Fagerstrom and our executive director, Loretta Gallegos
What motivated you to get started?
I originally worked for companies after graduation that stressed the most significant thing in the workplace is to make high profits without regards to human and social values. From my past work experiences at these companies, it made me realize that my morals and values were different and I should pursue a career that is parallel with what I believe in and am passionate about which is helping others.
“Take action to create change. You may not be able to save the entire world, but you can create an enormous amount of positive change in the world one step at a time. I would rather change the lives of 1,000 people in my life than none at all.”
What keeps you motivated?
The endless gratitude from our clients that we help, the huge support I receive from the staff at RTP, and always remembering that I am part of an organization that helps others who are unable to help themselves
Like best about what you do
The best part of my job is being a part of a huge community effort to create positive change in the lives of people who are in need of help.
Like least about what you do
The hardest part of my job is knowing that I can’t help everyone due to limited funding, time, and skilled volunteers.
At age 10, what did you want to be when you grew up?
A model or an actress
Biggest pastime outside of work
I’m used to be being glued to the television when basketball season was here, but now that the season is over, I now spend a lot of time with my boyfriend and my dog.
Person most interested in meeting
If I could meet anyone, dead or alive, I would want to meet Jesus because he seemed to change a lot of people’s lives in the past as well as the present.
Leader in business most interested in meeting
It would be interesting to meet Mark Cuban, the owner of the Dallas Mavericks. He seems to be a very animated and interesting character.
THree interesting facts about yourself
1) I like NBA basketball
2) I like big, pretty dogs
3) I like to snack alot
Three characteristics that describe you
1) Caring
2) Sensitive
3) Reserved
Three greatest passions
1) Animal Welfare
2) Cancer Treatment Research (both humans and animals)
3) Food
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