OUR HISTORY
The Community Improvement Center held its official kick-off in August 2004. The concept for a “volunteer center to meet critical need” came into being as more projects were requested that could not be completed within the “Make A Difference Day” event held each fall. While Make A Difference Day provides the community with a the unique opportunity to come together and give a day of service to those families and agencies in need, the CIC provides the opportunity to match volunteers, skills, and resources year round.
WE PERFORM FREE HOME REPAIRS FOR LOW-INCOME HOMEOWNERS
We send out teams of volunteers to perform services for those who need a hand in the community. Each year, we complete about 30 small construction projects, 30 painting projects, and 100 general home maintenance projects.
WHAT KINDS OF PROJECTS CAN THE VOLUNTEERS DO?
Our volunteers are not usually professional contractors. Many of the teams are made up of college and high school students. Nevertheless, we aim to do quality work that fills the need of the project request. Examples of previous home repair projects include carpentry, roofing, and painting. The general projects range from leaf raking to cleaning to getting ones hands dirty at a local organic farm.
WHO SUPERVISES THE WORK?
The volunteers are directly supervised by their self-designated group leader as well as a committed “Skilled Supervisor” volunteer who has taken responsibility for overseeing the project. The Skilled Supervisors freely give of their time, energy and talents. Most supervisors commit to overseeing one project per year. The overall coordination is done through the Americorps*VISTA working in the United Way Office and the CIC Advisory Committee.
WHO PAYS OR GETS PAID FOR THE SERVICE?
No one gets paid for the labor of the project. All of the work is on volunteer basis. The materials are paid for by the generous donation of the United Way, local building supply companies, and grants. In addition, we often ask homeowners to make a donation amount towards purchasing the necessary materials, if at all possible.
HOW DO I GET AN APPLICATION?
To get an application mailed to you, please call the United Way Office at 814.337.1251. To download an application, CLICK HERE.
QUESTIONS?
Please call us at 814.337.1251, and we will try to help you. Our office is open Monday through Friday 8:00-4:00.
Download a copy of the CIC Brochure!
COMMUNITY IMPROVEMENT CENTER
415 Chestnut St.
PO Box 554
Meadville, PA 16335
Telephone: 814.337.1251
Fax: 814.337.3333
cic@uwaywestcc.org
