The Latest...
Gabriel Homes Chases Thrills at Kings Dominion
Residents had a blast at Kings Dominion in August! January rode on the Dominator, which had a 135-foot drop. John, Rich, Darcy, and Lucy stayed indoors and stuck with more relaxing rides like Boo Blasters on Boo Hill.
Read the full storyHighlights from Kings Dominion:
Kari Lands on Top of a Glacier in Alaska
During a family reunion in Alaska, Kari traveled by sea, land, and air.
Learn more about Kari's travels in the Pacific Northwest in our latest story.
Learn more about Kari's adventures
Gabriel Homes Residents Sweep Powerlifting States Competition
Our residents are kicking off the new powerlifting season this month. Earlier this summer, residents who participated in the state finals finished with gold, silver, or bronze medals in every category!
See how each powerlifter placed
Are your friends and family missing out on news from Gabriel Homes?
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Facebook Instagram Linkedin Twitter ThreadsLooking Ahead...
The 29th Annual Gabriel Homes Golf Tournament is next week!
There are a few spots left if you want to register. Join us at Evergreen Country Club in Haymarket, Virginia for a day of friendly competition.
Sign up to play or become a sponsor today External LinkCommunity Corner
It's important for every corporate organization to find ways to give back to the local community. Get involved, not only to get to know Gabriel Homes but also to come out and play a fun round of golf.
Chris Powell
Chief Technology Officer, NT Concepts
We want to hear from you!
Do you have a favorite memory with Gabriel Homes? Do you have advice for family members? If there's something you've been longing to share, now is your chance! Email Lynn with your story or idea.Board Spotlight
Jack Mannion
Jack is a key player for the Gabriel Homes Work Crew and annual golf tournament! As director of the Health and Welfare Committee and Executive Committee, he helps develop long-term plans for residents to ensure their safety and well-being.
Get to know JackStaff Spotlight
Gabriel Homes Staff Finalists for 2024 DSPY Awards
Karen (back row, left), Jackie (back row, right), Reuben, and Essence were selected as finalists in different categories out of 400+ submissions for the second annual Direct Support Professional of the Year (DSPY) awards! All staff are winners in our hearts for empowering our residents.
Reach each finalist's submission at gabrielhomes.org/stories.
Meet all our finalistsUpcoming Dates
Reminder!
Let staff know at least 24 hours in advance if you make plans with your family member. Giving Gabriel Homes notice assures us that every resident is taken care of if they’re not home.
Use the on-call phone number or email staff to notify us.
Remember to email us your feedback if you have any questions, suggestions, or ideas for future editions of The Treehouse.
Feel free to send our newsletter to any friends or family who don’t receive it. Share our newsletter sign-up link so they can join today.
Follow Gabriel Homes on all your favorite social media platforms: Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter, Threads.
We appreciate donations of any amounts
Consider making a donation to Gabriel Homes today. Donate External LinkMore stories from Gabriel Homes:
2nd Annual DSPY Awards Celebrates Service Providers October 18, 2024 Read More Gabriel Homes Enjoys Local Ice Cream at MooThru Herndon October 16, 2024 Read More Bob Cilinski Named Monsignor by Pope Francis October 10, 2024 Read More The Treehouse: October 2024 October 7, 2024 Read More Community Corner: Security for Your Siblings When You’re Out of State October 7, 2024 Read More Gabriel Homes Powerlifters Pull a Plane at Dulles Airport October 4, 2024 Read More Gwen Murugu: Champion of Independence at Gabriel Homes October 4, 2024 Read More Gabriel Homes Residents Share Their Favorite Music Bands and Genres October 1, 2024 Read More 29th Annual Gabriel Homes Golf Tournament a HUGE Success! September 17, 2024 Read More Gabriel Homes Forecasts the 2024 NFL Season September 12, 2024 Read More dddcdYou may not believe it, but the 29th annual Gabriel Homes Golf Tournament tees off in just a matter of days!
The fall air is a refreshing seasonal change, and the views of Evergreen Country Club are spectacles with the changing leaves.
Annual Golfer and Golf Enthusiast
One annual golfer, Jack Mannion, serves on the Gabriel Homes Board of Directors. As director of the Health and Welfare Commitee, Jack helps create long-term plans for residents as they age by assessing their physical needs. Directors work to ensure that the homes and resources are in place for their safety and well-being.
“Continuity of care is critical for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Quality care includes the concept of aging in place. I'm impressed with Gabriel Homes’ vision and planning to care for residents as they age. My brother has been a resident for 25 years and is one of the oldest. I'm confident his outstanding care will continue into his golden years.”
Peter, Brother of Gabriel Homes Resident
Nearly Lifelong Friends
Jack lived down the street from the former Gabriel Homes chairman, Mike Holupka (second to the right), for over 30 years. The former chair brought Jack on board when he retired from the IRS and sought to give back to the community. Through Gabriel Homes, Jack and the neighbors formed the Gabriel Homes Work Crew to help with the maintenance and upkeep of the homes. The crew also shows up at the golf tournament every year.
“I got into golf when I was in college about 50 years ago and played a few times a year. But after I retired, a group of friends and I were lucky to golf across Ireland and see sites I hadn’t seen before.” 
Jack Mannion Board Member, Gabriel Homes 
When the weather gets cooler...
... Jack and his wife travel down to Florida to see family. Their condominium is on a golf course, so Jack suits up to golf at least once a week.
“I can walk to the driving range and play almost all the time,” Jack says. “And since my wife and I like to get out of the cold, we like to spend most days on the beach after golfing.”
Members of the board like Jack show up at the Gabriel Homes Golf Tournament every year!
Get to know the Board of Directors before you meet them at gabrielhomes.org.
More stories from our board of directors:
Passion Into Action August 14, 2024 Read More
Legacies Last Generations at Gabriel Homes July 11, 2024 Read More
An Inside Scoop: Get to Know Elaine Bickel June 4, 2024 Read More
dddcdFour Gabriel Homes staffers – Reuben, Jackie, Karen, and Essence –
... were selected as finalists in separate categories for the 2nd annual Direct Support Professional of the Year (DSPY) awards. Eleven Gabriel Homes staff were nominated for awards, and the four made the shortlist out of over 400 submissions from providers across Northern Virginia.
Providers nominated direct support professionals who best fit each category’s prompt. A diverse group of volunteers selected by the Northern Virginia Coalition of Providers reviewed submissions for the DSPYs categories.
“Our staff truly see our residents as extended family,” said Lynn Davis, executive director of Gabriel Homes. “They ensure residents have what they need and the support to succeed. It’s hard work, but our staff are committed to our residents and impress me every day!”
For the DSPY awards, Gabriel Homes submitted the following prompts for the four finalists:
Karen
Community Engagement: How do they seek out unique opportunities for individuals to engage in the community? Do they ensure the dignity of risk? Are they creative and encouraging to find new opportunities and not just opportunities that have been tried before?
“Karen (left) is full of energy and excitement! She has been with our organization for five years and for most of it, she’s covered the weekend and overnight shifts. Weekends have had more opportunities for fun, and Karen has never skipped a beat. If there haven’t been any set plans for residents, she’s initiated fun activities like going to the pool or to a local park for a stroll and outdoor lunch.”
Jackie
Compassion: How do they show caring and grace towards individuals even when they may be having challenging behaviors? Do they relate to someone else's situation and offer to help?
“Jackie (left) has been a guiding light and comforting presence with us since 2016. She shows empathy in her work and is always there to support our residents through their successes and struggles.
“Jackie is nonjudgmental, cheers others on, lends a listening ear, gives others space when needed, validates others’ feelings, and helps individuals learn to advocate for themselves. Embodying compassion and grace, Jackie makes us feel so fortunate to have her on our team.”
Reuben
Marathon: Longevity award goes to someone who has been with the organization for 10+ years AND never believes they are done learning and growing. Sees this as a career and not just a job.
“Working with our residents since 1997 hasn’t just been a career, but a calling for Reuben (left). He’s steady and keeps cool in the most stressful situations. He has a listening ear for our residents and is a calming presence when they go through turbulent times. Reuben has been there for our residents’ successes and struggles and has been a support through times of grief and end stages of life. Reuben is the North Star of our team & we are fortunate that he’s dedicated so much of his life to our residents.”
Essence
Positivity: How do they always see the bright side? Do they lift people up instead of breaking them down? How are they the bright spot in gloomy situations?
Essence has the remarkable ability to spread positivity wherever she goes. She stands out as a beacon of light, radiating joy, kindness, and optimism in every interaction. Offering words of encouragement, lending a helping hand, or simply sharing a warm smile, she seamlessly lifts others’ spirits and makes even the darkest days seem a little bit brighter. In a world that can sometimes feel overwhelming, Essence reminds us that a positive outlook can make all the difference.
The DSPYs take place on September 12 in Fairfax to announce the winners. No matter the results, all Gabriel Homes staff are winners in our hearts for empowering our residents and building their independence.
At last year’s inaugural DSPY awards, Gabriel Homes Residential Counselor Afua won for positivity.
As a shining beacon for our residents, she leads with her heart and treats the residents as family. Learn more about Afua’s story at gabrielhomes.org/stories. Meet AfuaThe latest stories from Gabriel Homes:
2nd Annual DSPY Awards Celebrates Service Providers October 18, 2024 Read More Gabriel Homes Enjoys Local Ice Cream at MooThru Herndon October 16, 2024 Read More Bob Cilinski Named Monsignor by Pope Francis October 10, 2024 Read More The Treehouse: October 2024 October 7, 2024 Read More Community Corner: Security for Your Siblings When You’re Out of State October 7, 2024 Read More Gabriel Homes Powerlifters Pull a Plane at Dulles Airport October 4, 2024 Read More Gwen Murugu: Champion of Independence at Gabriel Homes October 4, 2024 Read More Gabriel Homes Residents Share Their Favorite Music Bands and Genres October 1, 2024 Read More 29th Annual Gabriel Homes Golf Tournament a HUGE Success! September 17, 2024 Read More dddcdDid you know? Alaska is nearly three times the size of Texas!
The many spots around the state draw in countless visitors who travel in the summer. With vast wilderness and landscapes, Alaska summer travel allows visitors to explore towering glaciers and pristine forests.
Reaching every spot the state has to offer is no easy feat, so many, like Kari, use different ways to travel.
Winter Wardrobes in Summertime
Beating the summer heat was an easy ask for Kari’s family, so the group planned an early August reunion. Kari’s adventures started abroad: A Princess Cruise set sail from Vancouver and voyaged north toward Alaska. Shipped along the West Coast, the family saw Glacier Bay in Juneau and ended up in College Fjords along the state’s southern coast.
“Going into my closet and pulling out winter clothes in August was strange,” Kari said. “I was in my coat almost the entire trip.”
Hitting the Road
After the cruise, the family changed gears and traveled by road. The gang rented two vans and drove 2.5 hours from Anchorage to the port city of Seward. Spending three days in Seward, Kari’s mom Linda said Kenai Fjords National Park was her favorite part. The family saw sea otters, seals, and whales off the peninsula.
At this point in the summer vacation, Kari traveled by sea and road. The last way to travel across Alaska was by air!
Reaching New Heights
Everyone packed into the vans leaving Seward and drove four hours north to Talkeetna, a former gold mining town. Traveling roughly two hours north to Denali, the family flew on a 10-passenger sightseeing plane to Mt. Denali and landed on a glacier.
“Mt. Denali was my favorite part of the trip by far,” Kari said. “Flying on a small plane and landing on a glacier was scary at the time, but I would do the ride all over again.”
After two weeks, the family reunion had wrapped up.
Everyone flew their separate ways home, and Kari returned to Reston safe and sound with timeless memories.
Back in Reston, new memories are made at Gabriel Homes every day!
Learn about what a day in the life might look like as a resident at gabrielhomes.org.
More resident spotlights at Gabriel Homes:
Gabriel Homes Chases Thrills at Kings Dominion August 28, 2024 Read More
A Conversation With Stephen August 26, 2024 Read More
Sisters Share Their Passion for Animals August 13, 2024 Read More
Finding Purpose: Chris’ Journey of Faith and Service August 8, 2024 Read More
Generation to Generation: Paving the Path Toward Success August 1, 2024 Read More
Sean’s Enchanted Journey: A Dash of Magic July 31, 2024 Read More
Baseball Builds Beautiful Bonds July 22, 2024 Read More
dddcd
School may be back in session, but summer stays stuck on everyone’s minds.
In early August, several Gabriel Homes residents visited Kings Dominion.
Adrenaline for All Comfort Levels
John, Rich, Lucy, and Darcy (left to right) traveled to Kings Dominion at the beginning of the month, while January, Sean, and Stephen visited a week later. The amusement park, known for some of the wildest thrills on the Atlantic Coast, offers rides for every comfort level.
The first four were looking forward to the easygoing rides. John, Rich, and Lucy went on the Americana, a 110-foot Ferris wheel that oversaw almost the entire park. Darcy had fun on Boo Blasters on Boo Hill because the ride was engaging and indoors.
“I like to stay close to the ground on rides, so I was most comfortable with Boo Blasters. The ride kept me active since I was focused on the ghosts, and going inside the haunted house was a much-needed break from the heat outside.”
Darcy
Gabriel Homes Resident
Childhood Classics
When you look around Kings Dominion, you quickly notice the Peanuts characters in the park and on rides. Many residents love familiar faces like Snoopy and Charlie Brown, and Lucy was happy to snap a picture with one of her favorites – Lucy!
Upping the Intensity
Looking at the rest of the park, January (right) especially looked forward to the intense rides. One of the most famous rides at Kings Dominion, the Dominator, has one of the tallest loops in the world at 135 feet. She looked rattled when she stepped off the ride, but she was buzzing about the thrills once she was walking around the park.
“I love the adrenaline and excitement when I ride rollercoasters here,” said January. “Whether I ride wooden or steel rides, I enjoy them all the same.”
January and Stephen also went on Twisted Timbers, a wooden rollercoaster with the highest thrill level. There may not be loops on wooden rides, but the duo enjoyed a 109-foot barrel roll drop after a long buildup.
Once everyone was ready to head home, the residents reflected on their favorite parts of the day.
“The bumper cars were my favorite part by far. John was my passenger in the car. I knew the goal was to hit the other cars, but I didn't want to hurt anybody when I drove!”
Rich
Gabriel Homes Resident
Summer may be sunsetting, but residents are set for bright adventures this fall.
Catch the latest news from Gabriel Homes at gabrielhomes.org/stories.
Catch up on the latestA Day in the Life at Gabriel Homes:
Gabriel Homes Enjoys Local Ice Cream at MooThru Herndon October 16, 2024 Read More Gwen Murugu: Champion of Independence at Gabriel Homes October 4, 2024 Read More Sisters Share Their Passion for Animals August 13, 2024 Read More Finding Purpose: Chris’ Journey of Faith and Service August 8, 2024 Read More Baseball Builds Beautiful Bonds July 22, 2024 Read More Fast, Efficient, and Quality Cleaning June 20, 2024 Read More Community Corner: You’ve Got a Friend in Me June 9, 2024 Read More Lifting Spirits and Fostering Friendships June 6, 2024 Read More dddcd
At Gabriel Homes, residents from our six homes come from all walks of life.
Everybody has unique stories, and their chapters continue with no two days looking the same.
20+ Years of Community
Stephen (front) has been a resident with Gabriel Homes since February of 2000. He works at ECHO Barkery, a dog biscuit bakery led by workers with disabilities. According to their website, Stephen’s favorite biscuits to make are peanut butter ones!
Gabriel Homes caught up with Stephen recently to talk about his life and family. Here’s what he had to say:
Where did you grow up?
“Oh, I’m a New Yorker! My mom is from Queens and my dad is from Brooklyn. My brother Peter and I call Long Island home, though. My brother is a few years older than me, and I look up to him to this day. I still remember seeing him in “Oklahoma!” when we were kids.
“My brother lives out in Florida today, and I like seeing him when I get the chance. Family is important to us, so I’m happy we keep in touch a lot and have a good relationship.”
What’s one of your favorite hobbies?
“I really like music. My bedroom has a huge stack of CDs I’ve collected over the years. The top of the rack has Frank Sinatra and the Rat Pack. Dean Martin, Sammy Davis – all those guys are great singers. I play their music so much that my Rat Pack CD is broken, so I need to replace it soon.
“I also put on lots of old clips of Johnny Carson. Years later, I play his episodes on repeat and never get bored. I don’t think anybody can do talk shows the same way Johnny did them.”
What are your favorite sports?
“I can't play sports well at my age, so I prefer to watch them. My brother is a George Mason University grad, so we see the basketball team when he’s in town.
“But the Olympics were fun this year! The men’s and women’s basketball teams both came down to the last shots, and I couldn’t look away from the TV. Volleyball was also a blast to watch. I was disappointed that the U.S. came up short, but I had fun watching every game.”
New memories are made every day at Gabriel Homes.
Catch up on all the latest from our residents at gabrielhomes.org/stories.
The latest news from Gabriel Homes:
Community Corner: Boosting Your Brand With Gabriel Homes August 22, 2024 Read More
The Treehouse: August 2024 August 15, 2024 Read More
Gabriel Homes Residents Sweep Powerlifting States Competition July 25, 2024 Read More
The Treehouse: July 2024 July 15, 2024 Read More
Home Runs Highlight Special Olympics Softball July 9, 2024 Read More
Announcement: Gabriel Homes Golf Tournament 2024 Registration is Now Live July 1, 2024 Read More
Gabriel Homes Celebrates 42nd Birthday! June 25, 2024 Read More
Waiting for a Developmental Disability Waiver? Here’s the Process: June 25, 2024 Read More
Dinosaurs, ABBA, and Snickers Cheesecake June 13, 2024 Read More
dddcdWhen companies sponsor nonprofits, customers are more likely to trust them.
The Gabriel Homes Guardian Angel sponsors...
... make up many types of industries like construction, technology, religious groups, and more.
Many companies partner with Gabriel Homes to get their names out in the community and network with all types of organizations.
With the 29th annual Gabriel Homes golf tournament teeing off September 16, excitement is heating up from players and partners alike. Chris Powell, chief technology officer at NT Concepts, shared why he’s excited to golf and why other companies should become Gabriel Homes sponsors:
“It’s important, I think, for every corporate organization to find ways to give back to the local community. Get involved, not only to get to know Gabriel Homes but also to come out and play a fun round of golf.” Chris Powell Chief Technology Officer, NT Concepts https://www.gabrielhomes.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/2024.08.16-chris-powell-golf-testimonial-v1.mp4
Are you ready to become a sponsor with Gabriel Homes?
Go to the golf tournament’s registration page and choose your sponsor tier at checkout.
The latest from our community:
Community Corner: Boosting Your Brand With Gabriel Homes August 22, 2024 Read More
Community Corner: It’s An Annual Tradition! July 12, 2024 Read More
Community Corner: You’ve Got a Friend in Me June 9, 2024 Read More
Community Reacts to the New Gabrielhomes.org April 25, 2024 Read More
Community Corner: The Importance of Independence for Adults With IDD April 24, 2024 Read More
dddcd
The Latest...
Sisters Share Their Passion for Animals
Animals are a shared passion in Darcy's family. Darcy can share facts about any animal you show her, and her sister Chelsea works at the Animal Welfare League of Arlington.
More on DarcyMore photos of Darcy at Frying Pan Park
Are your friends and family missing out on news from Gabriel Homes?
If they're not getting our emails, send them our newsletter signup form! Copy and paste the link and share it as a text or email so everyone can catch up on the latest news from Gabriel Homes.
Also remember to follow us on social media and repost your favorite stories!
Facebook Instagram Linkedin Twitter Threads
Sports are a home run with Gabe and Bob
Gabe and his father make regular trips to Nats Park to see their favorite team play ball. The best game days are when the whole family visits from out of town and joins them at the ballpark.
More on Gabe
Sean Gets a Dash of Magic at Disney World
Sean recently traveled to Disney World with his aunt. He rode endless rides in the Magic Kingdom and met Disney icons like Mickey Mouse and Cinderella.
More on Sean's tripCommunity Corner
Read from siblings of our residents"Reach out to others and think creatively about how you can help your sibling in every aspect of their lives. Gabriel Homes does a fantastic job explaining challenges and showing solutions, so our sibling gets the help they need."
Chip, Sibling of a Gabriel Homes Resident
We want to hear from you!
Do you have a favorite memory with Gabriel Homes? Do you have advice for family members? If there's something you've been longing to share, now is your chance! Email Lynn with your story or idea.Spotlights
Board Spotlight
Gary Le Francois
As director of the Infrastructure Committee, Gary serves Gabriel Homes with 50+ years of experience in the trades. His son Sam (right) has been a resident with us since 2000!
“I get paid in feeling good and giving back to my son, so I make sure these homes are strong for decades.”
-Gary
More on GaryStaff Spotlights
Reuben Sidifall and Pierrein Kamdarie
Family runs through Gabriel Homes staff as well! Reuben (front, center) has supported our residents since 1997, and his daughter Pierrein (back, second to the left) has been with Gabriel Homes since 2020. Both have different insights on leadership, but serving others is the core of their family.
Read their full storyUpcoming Dates
Reminder!
Let staff know at least 24 hours in advance if you make plans with your family member. Giving Gabriel Homes notice assures us that every resident is taken care of if they’re not home.
Use the on-call phone number or email staff to notify us.
Remember to email us your feedback if you have any questions, suggestions, or ideas for future editions of The Treehouse.
Feel free to send our newsletter to any friends or family who don’t receive it. Share our newsletter sign-up link so they can join today.
Follow Gabriel Homes on all your favorite social media platforms: Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter, Threads.
We appreciate donations of any amounts
Consider making a donation to Gabriel Homes today. Donate External LinkMore stories from Gabriel Homes:
2nd Annual DSPY Awards Celebrates Service Providers October 18, 2024 Read More Gabriel Homes Enjoys Local Ice Cream at MooThru Herndon October 16, 2024 Read More Bob Cilinski Named Monsignor by Pope Francis October 10, 2024 Read More The Treehouse: October 2024 October 7, 2024 Read More Community Corner: Security for Your Siblings When You’re Out of State October 7, 2024 Read More Gabriel Homes Powerlifters Pull a Plane at Dulles Airport October 4, 2024 Read More Gwen Murugu: Champion of Independence at Gabriel Homes October 4, 2024 Read More Gabriel Homes Residents Share Their Favorite Music Bands and Genres October 1, 2024 Read More 29th Annual Gabriel Homes Golf Tournament a HUGE Success! September 17, 2024 Read More Gabriel Homes Forecasts the 2024 NFL Season September 12, 2024 Read More dddcd
Strength as Siblings
Research finds that siblings of someone with intellectual and developmental disabilities are likely to be more empathetic toward others.
At Gabriel Homes, Inc. (GHI), we understand the importance of having a loving, balanced family environment. If you’re a sibling of someone with IDD, here are some ways you can best support them and empower yourself.
Education at an Early Age:
With the speed of the internet and extensive IDD resources like The Arc of Northern Viriginia, IDD information communities are forming every day online and in-person. Spaces with families and experts can help you learn more about your sibling and IDD.
“Support groups for young siblings are important because everyone has different questions for all types of disabilities,” says Gina, the sister of a GHI resident. “Children may not understand Down syndrome, so groups can educate siblings on the condition and show them how to be supportive.”
Self-Growth:
Many siblings of residents at Gabriel Homes credit their family members for making them more resilient. They continue to better advocate for their siblings and prepare them for challenges in other areas of life. Use your compassion to empower yourself and others.
“My sibling was always a positive influence on me,” says Dwight, brother of a GHI resident. “When I ran into difficult situations with school or sports, I thought of them because I knew they could overcome it. My sibling made me a better person and more accepting of people with all abilities.”
Plan for the Future:
Prepare your siblings for future changes and responsibilities. Include all your family in long-term planning discussions to delegate future roles and potential caretaking tasks.
“You’re going to need help. Reach out to others and think creatively about how you can help your sibling in every aspect of their lives. Gabriel Homes does a fantastic job explaining challenges and showing solutions, so our sibling gets the help they need.”
Chip, Sibling of a GHI Resident
At Gabriel Homes, we believe in supporting adults with IDD and their families. With loving and empathetic communities, everyone can thrive together.
Are you looking to become a resident at Gabriel Homes?
Learn more about eligibility and the application process.
Become a residentRecent stories from the community:
Community Corner: Ways Siblings of Family Members With IDD Can Empower Themselves August 15, 2024 Read More Community Corner: It’s An Annual Tradition! July 12, 2024 Read More Community Corner: You’ve Got a Friend in Me June 9, 2024 Read More dddcd
Parents who serve on nonprofit boards can bring firsthand insights into the organization’s needs, especially if it affects their children.
Boards with members from all walks of life can produce stronger leaders and better advocates for causes they care about.
As a board member since 2013 and director of the Gabriel Homes Infrastructure Committee...
... Gary Le Francois puts hundreds of hours into house projects each year. He knows the six homes inside and out and can creatively fix any problem with his 50 years of trades experience. But he brings his skills to Gabriel Homes for a reason: His son Sam is one of our residents!
“When I joined the board, I was ready to give back, and I had the skills to do the maintenance. I get to do what I love, from engineering to heating and more.”
Gary
Board Member, Gabriel Homes
Hands-On and Cooperative
Gary was able to take on more house projects after he retired from Transwestern in 2018. He handled smaller projects like faucet repairs and door installations and hired contractors with Gabriel Homes for large-scale renovations.
“Gary’s extensive industry knowledge and eye for detail has ensured that our projects run smoothly, on time, and on budget,” says Lynn Davis, executive director of Gabriel Homes. “If he sees something that impacts the final project early on, he can call it out quickly.”
Using his trade skills when thinking as a father, Gary aims to keep using his knowledge and background to make the homes safe and comfortable.
“I like seeing my dad when he stops at my house. He does a lot of work around the house, and everything he does looks great!”
Sam, Gabriel Homes Resident
Gary is committed to helping his son and other residents live happy, independent lives.
By keeping the homes in tip-top shape, he proves a bit of labor can make a generational impact on the community.
“There are so many things to be grateful for if you volunteer,” Gary says. “I get paid in feeling good and giving back to my son, so I make sure these homes are strong for decades.”