Jon Skvarka, Interim Director

“It shows you no matter where you are from, the issues that New Orleans faces in the rebuilding process are not remote and distant, but ones that appear in communities everywhere.” That was how I concluded my first RTNO E-newsletter article four and a half years ago. It was an article about my grandfather who had to move out of his longtime Pennsylvania home due to his age and health and how it inspired me to work for an organization like RTNO.

Everyday, Rebuilding Together affiliates in New Orleans and across the country make repairs to homes that allow elderly and disabled homeowners to age in place by making their homes safer, more energy-efficient and more durable. Knowing how my grandfather felt when he was forced to leave his home helped me to better understand the importance of our mission. My grandfather passed away in 2010, leaving me with the memories of a humble, hard-working role model and motivated me even more to work for our homeowners.

A great deal has changed at RTNO since I wrote that article. After the storm, RTNO completed 37 projects by early 2007. We’re currently at 325 with over 500 people directly affected by our work. We had a staff of five back then. Now we have a staff of 30 with over 40 full-time AmeriCorps members. 1,000 volunteers had already answered the call to service in 2007. At the close of 2011, 18,000 volunteers have made an impact on RTNO and its homeowners. From the implementation of a Deconstruction and Salvage Program to starting a Veterans workforce development program, RTNO has continued to grow and develop new ideas to benefit the neighborhoods we work in.

For me personally, I was an AmeriCorps VISTA fresh out of college and wanting to play a small part in the recovery of New Orleans. Now I’m stepping into the Interim Director role thanks to two passionate, impactful mentors and the support of a talented and hard working staff.

Although RTNO has experienced numerous changes the last five years, some things remain the same. We are still committed to repairing and rehabilitating homes for low-income homeowners to improve not only their individual quality of life, but the community as a whole. We are also continually finding ways to make our intake and construction operations more efficient for our homeowners and stretch every dollar for our funders. And finally, we are dedicated to making the volunteer experience one that is beneficial for both homeowner and volunteer alike.

In 2012, we hope to complete 75 projects, a high-reaching, but doable goal. I hope you’ll join us as a volunteer, sponsor or advocate in 2012 and play a part in our success. For me, seeing the importance of home through my grandfather’s eyes continues to reinforce my resolve for RTNO’s mission. Alongside staff, AmeriCorps members, volunteers, sponsors, homeowners and advocates, we can continue to change lives and strengthen the New Orleans community one family at a time.

Happy Holidays,
Jon Skvarka
Interim Director