The Inspiration
- What inspired you?
"Working in the CASA program and working mostly with teen girls I started seeing how many of them do not reunify with their families. We all know that life can be really difficult for kids ages 18-21 but usually there are parents or care-takers to help keep them on track. They need somebody to celebrate the ups with them and encourage them through the downs. They need someone to help build their resumes and to help figure out their taxes. They need someone to answer life’s little questions as well as guide them through its big problems."
- Why this house?
"I loved the house initially because I used to live in Downtown Roseville myself. It’s the perfect location because it’s close to the library and near public transportation. It also offers the convenience of the bank, eating establishments, entertainment, and parks all within walking distance. I've always loved old homes and this house just seemed to encompass everything I saw in the young adults. The definition of the term “foster youth” are kids who have been abused, abandoned, or neglected. This house fit that very same definition to a tee. We worked on this house- giving our time, efforts, and every ounce of TLC that we had,and transformed it into a beautiful symbol of commitment, strength, and love. This is the exact same transformation that I hope to see in all of our girls."
- How long did it take/what was the process like?
"I purchased the home with my own funds in September 2011. Escrow closed on a Friday and on Saturday I had 32 volunteers come and help me tear down, scrub, and rebuild. Everyone from close friends, family, CASA volunteers including the program director and executive director, nurses, and even our presiding judge came to help. It was hot outside and everyone worked for hours that day, from ripping out rotten wood to scrubbing floors. We took 3 and a half TONS of garbage out of the house. I’m not kidding. Even with the terrible shape that the place was in, with dedication and the help of the community the house was ready to be occupied 90 days after purchase."
- How was this project financed?
"Well I was thrilled to see how much support I received from my friends and family in this aspect."
"I purchased the house outright with my own funds and then also paid for the entire remodel. Once the remodel was complete a few of my girlfriends and family members took on a project that we nicknamed “Adopt-A-Room”. They each adopted a room to furnish, decorate, and fund. Everything from the furniture to the welcome kits (which included: a towel, a journal, and other essentials that the girls may not have had). Each room has its own color scheme and theme and the girls are also allowed to personalize as they please. With the rooms taken care of there was still a lot of space to fill, the house is 2,200 sq ft. The owners of Northern California La-Z-Boy Furniture, Jim and Liz Reego, who both have huge hearts for foster care kids, donated a heaping $12,000 in furniture and really helped to create the homey feeling we were all hoping for. Other friends and family also donated things like kitchen appliances and electronics."
- What’s your dream?
"My dream is that the girls stay long enough to build a sense of community, confidence, and self-worth that will allow them to realize they don’t just have to flip burgers but they have the potential to own the burger joints... My dream is simply to expand their dreams. I want to help them build healthy habits and life skills that will open up numerous and ever expanding doors in their futures." Every girls transition will be different. Some will be long and some will be short, we will provide the 'launching pad" necessary to get to the next step whatever that may be, and hopefully they will stay in touch and be a part of our forever family at The Taylor House.
