Early Years - Saratoga Affiliate

Michelle and Dan Larkin and their children had traveled to other cities and states with the youth groups from their church to work on the homes of needy people. After years of this, the question kept arising, “Was there a local need in Saratoga County and if so, why not begin a local chapter?”  With encouragement from Anne Diggory and Heather Greene, Michelle decided to find out. Two of the work camps they had attended were under the direction of Rebuilding Together in Washington, DC and Boston. The debate began as to whether we become an affiliate of the national organization or do we just “wing it” on our own?  In order to find out, Michelle “looked” for a project to work on locally.  One was located with the assistance of the Curtis Lumber Store in Schuylerville. 
 
Volunteers were rounded up and we went to work.  The family they assisted worked hard alongside the friends and relatives that volunteered to work on the home. The initial experience was very positive, but there were obvious issues that arose from “winging” it.  Insurance was one of the biggest concerns. Guidance from someone was needed so we weren’t reinventing the mousetrap. Inexperience and the lack of an official name were also problems.  The need to work with a national organization was apparent. Paperwork and guidelines were received from National.  All that was needed were volunteers, money and projects to work on!

The local chapter, Rebuilding Together Saratoga County, Inc. (RTSC) was founded in 2003 when Michelle Larkin invited friends and relatives to an informational meeting at the New England-Presbyterian Church in Saratoga Springs.  All 35 who showed up committed to the mission of working with low-income elderly and disabled homeowners in Saratoga County by way of agreeing to serve on the board of directors or on a committee.  The first donation of $100.00 was received that night.   With packets of information from National, a letter asking for donations and the call for applications, RTSC was up and running.

The founding Board of Directors consisted of the following members:

Michelle Larkin,
President
David Robertson,
 Vice President
Lorraine Wilson,
 Secretary
Joel Dziengieliwski,
Treasurer

Kathie Carswell
Catherine Cicero-Heinrich
Heather Greene
Aldis Higgins
Adam Hills
Daniel LArkin
Connie Jenkins
Susan Moore-Palumbo
John Rourke
Louis Rourke
Tim Squadere
Kathleen Stanko
Renee Sweet
Scott White