In April, carpenters from Keystone + Mountain + Lakes Regional Council of Carpenters (KMLRC) Local 167 helped refurbish the Libertae Inc. House in Bensalem, Pa. - a facility dedicated to the housing, treatment and support of women who struggle with substance abuse and addiction.
In April, about 15 to 20 carpenters from Keystone + Mountain + Lakes Regional Council of Carpenters (KMLRC) Local 167 helped refurbish the Libertae Inc. House in Bensalem, Pa. - a facility dedicated to the housing, treatment and support of women who struggle with substance abuse and addiction.
According to the mission statement on the Libertae House Inc. website, “Libertae is one of a very small number of treatment programs in Pennsylvania dedicated to treating and supporting women with substance use disorders. With an emphasis on gender-responsive treatment, we strive to create an environment that reflects an understanding of women and girls' lives and that responds to their challenges.”
The restoration project was funded with the help of a $50,000 capital project grant from the Connelly Foundation which helped buy construction materials and supplement labor costs.
Due to the efforts of skilled KMLRC carpenters and the support of Pa.-elected officials, including Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick and State Representative Gene DiGirolamo, the revitalization of Libertae House will help ease the daily difficulties for women struggling with opioid and substance addiction in the region. Keystone + Mountain + Lakes Regional Council of Carpenters' Local 167 have also received praise from community residents for refurbishing a once decaying building for an important cause.
“Facilities like the Libertae House are imperative institutions for providing relief for women and children in and around Bucks County,” said PA District 18 State Representative Gene DiGirolamo. “Since I have been in office, I have been a strong advocate for the important work they do every day to help women suffering from addiction get their lives back on track.”
Libertae House, Inc has been providing in-home and outpatient care for women struggling with addiction since 1973. The nonprofit provides individualized treatment to nearly 200 women a year through holistic, cost-effective and supportive treatment methods to help alleviate the growing opioid epidemic in PA and surrounding regions.
“We are beyond grateful for the tireless support and skilled craftsmanship of the KMLRC carpenters on our facility,” said Libertae CEO Nancy Wolf. “Approximately 98 percent of the women we serve in 35 counties in Pennsylvania suffer with addiction with some form of opiates. Without the Council's efforts, rebuilding this crucial facility to help provide pragmatic solutions for women who struggle with substance abuse, would not have been possible.”
The Project
KMLRC Local 167 began refurbishment of the deteriorating building in January 2018. The carpenters started by removing walls that were riddled with mold and water damage and eventually reframed the building and put up new drywall. They also added on new spaces that will be used as extra bedrooms for the occupants.
“This project means the world to the KMLRC Carpenters' Union because we continuously strive to give back to the communities we live and work in,” said Keystone + Mountain + Lakes Regional Council of Carpenters Local 167 President Mike Morrow. “We are extremely grateful for the opportunity to refurbish the Liberate House and help curb the opioid problem in the area through an effective and reputable nonprofit organization.”
The Keystone + Mountain + Lakes Regional Council of Carpenters is committed to using members' skills and expertise to better the lives of those in need and elevating the communities that in which they live and work.
About the KML
The Keystone + Mountain + Lakes Regional Council of Carpenters (KML) represents more than 40,000 members in Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia and 10 North Carolina counties. Its members come from many different trade groups, including: commercial/residential carpenters; heavy highway; piledrivers; floorlayers; mill cabinet; and tradeshow.
For more information on KML, please visit www.kmlcarpenters.org.
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