Red Vest Day: Volunteers help with renovations at future Our Mother’s Home as part of Lowe’s Hometowns

FORT MYERS, Fla. (Dec. 12, 2023) – Volunteers from Lowe’s and the community dedicated their time to support the renovations of a new transitional living home for Our Mother’s Home of Southwest Florida (OMH), which is one of 100 community projects in 2023 selected for Lowe’s Hometowns.

Lowe’s Hometowns is the company’s largest-ever impact program, with a five-year, $100 million commitment from Lowe’s to rebuild and revitalize community spaces nationwide. As part of the program, Lowe’s organized a day of service, known as “Red Vest Day,” held at the future OMH home located at 2666 Swamp Cabbage Road in Fort Myers.

“The outpouring of support from Lowe’s and our local community for Red Vest Day has been nothing short of amazing,” said Alicia Miller, executive director of Our Mother’s Home. “We are extremely grateful for the Lowe’s team, our local volunteers and all who continue to support this huge transformation. Our new building will give us the space we need to help more young moms and their babies while also expanding our services and presence in the community.”

On Nov. 30, local employees with Lowe’s, Sherwin-Williams and Valspar spent several hours assisting OMH with various tasks, including painting and installing new plants and rock beds around the building. In addition to volunteer work, Lowe’s donated nearly 20 gallons of paint and supplies for the exterior walls of the building, as well as plants and materials to add new rock beds along the front side of the building.

“Being able to contribute to such a meaningful cause in our community has been a truly rewarding experience for all of us at Lowe’s,” said Brian Hanna, assistant store manager of the Lowe’s on South Tamiami Trail in Fort Myers. “There is nothing more precious than our children, and we are honored to partner with Our Mother’s Home to create a nurturing environment that will positively impact the lives of young mothers and their children.”

This year’s Lowe’s Hometowns projects were selected from 93 communities across 41 states and Washington, D.C., to address needs specific to each community, from housing and community centers to outdoor spaces and facilities for first responders and veterans. Each project received a grant from Lowe’s to make physical improvements that help local organizations continue to make meaningful impact in their communities. At the core of this commitment are Lowe’s red-vested associates, who share a passion for giving back to their communities and provide support to every Lowe’s Hometowns project.

Purchased last year, the future OMH building has not been used in five years and requires extensive renovations to be suitable as a residence for young mothers and their children. In June, Lowe’s awarded a significant grant of $110,000 to OMH to help with the necessary renovations of a transitional living home for teenage mothers and their children in the foster care and human trafficking systems.

The Lowe’s Hometowns project focuses on transforming a portion of the upstairs space into three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a living room and dining area, to house 18- to 22-year-old moms and their babies as they can continue using resources and services while transitioning to independent adulthood. Second-floor renovations will include installation of new flooring, drywall, window treatments and light fixtures. Bathrooms will be fully renovated with new fixtures and lighting. In addition, the kitchen will be upgraded with new cabinets, a cooktop and modern appliances.

Upon completion, the new OMH building will not only include housing but also enable the organization to expand its services through a community pantry, providing items such as diapers, wipes, formula and other much-needed supplies for young parents in need. In addition, there will be a community education room that offers free classes on topics such as parenting, budgeting, birth control and more for moms in the broader community.

To learn more about OMH and its mission, visit OurMothersHome.org.

About Our Mother’s Home of Southwest Florida
Our Mother’s Home was founded in 2000 by Helen Coppage, a foster parent who saw the need for a dedicated residential program to allow teenage mothers and their babies to remain together as mother and child. The organization provides a safe environment and transition for teen mothers ages 11 to 18 and their children from foster care and human trafficking to stable, happy, and productive lives by providing a nurturing home, education and parenting support, along with physical, mental and spiritual care. Since its launch, more than 400 mothers and children have benefited from Our Mother’s Home Mentored Living Program, successfully preserving families, transitioning young mothers to self-sufficiency, and saving the lives of children by avoiding their re-entry into foster care. This unique home is the only one of its kind in Southwest Florida. For more information, call 239-267-4663 or visit OurMothersHome.org.

About Lowe’s Hometowns
Now in the second year of the initiative, Lowe’s Hometowns invites nonprofits and community members to share stories of projects in need. This year’s Lowe’s Hometowns projects were selected from 93 communities across 41 states and Washington, D.C., and will address needs specific to each community, from housing and community centers to outdoor spaces and facilities for first responders and veterans. Each project will receive a grant from Lowe’s to make physical improvements that help local organizations continue to make meaningful impact in their communities. Projects are slated to be completed by the end of 2023. Visit Lowes.com/hometowns and follow #LowesHometowns on social media for more details on this year’s projects.