Community Partners Complete Life-Changing Home Transformation

After nearly two years of service, generosity and community collaboration, Abundant Life Ministries (ALM), Mission to Serve (MTS), and Julie Weintraub’s Hands Across the Bay (HATB) are proud to announce the completion of a life-changing home renovation for lifelong Clearwater resident Joann Dohme. What began as an effort to help a homeowner in need grew into a complete transformation of Joann’s home, made possible by nonprofits, businesses, skilled tradespeople, donors and volunteers working together.

Joann, a retired nurse of more than 40 years and mother of three adult children, dedicated much of her life to caring for others. As health challenges and physical limitations made maintaining her home increasingly difficult, needed repairs grew beyond what she could manage on her own.

Over nearly two years, the home underwent extensive demolition, rebuilding and renovation, with individuals and businesses contributing their time, expertise, materials, services and financial support to create a safe and renewed home for Joann

For Joann’s daughter, Melissa Dohme Hill, the project carries an even deeper meaning. Melissa survived a near-fatal domestic violence attack in the front yard of the family home, leaving the property tied to painful memories for more than a decade.

When demolition began, Melissa had the opportunity to physically tear down walls inside the home. As those walls came down and the home was rebuilt, the family was able to replace painful reminders of the past with new memories rooted in hope, love and healing. The project grew from Abundant Life Ministries’ CareFest outreach, which brings volunteers together to assist homeowners with needed repairs and improvements. In partnership with Mission to Serve and Hands Across the Bay, the effort expanded into a full-home transformation.

After nearly two years, that vision is now complete. Joann and her family extend their deepest gratitude to every volunteer, donor, contractor, business and community partner who made it possible. What they received was far more than a renovated house. They received a fresh start and a powerful reminder of what can happen when a community comes together to serve.

ABOUT THE ORGANIZATIONS

Abundant Life Ministries (ALM) Abundant Life Ministries serves communities in need with a focus on uplifting individuals and restoring homes. Through outreach initiatives including CareFest, ALM brings people together to provide home repairs, yard work, renovations and other acts of service for families facing hardship. Their work reflects their mission to serve communities in love and faith.

Mission to Serve (MTS) Mission to Serve is a nonprofit, volunteer crisis-response and rebuilding organization dedicated to providing support and resources to individuals and families in need. Through partnerships and volunteer service, Mission to Serve helps bring critical rebuilding resources and assistance to families facing difficult circumstances.

Julie Weintraub’s Hands Across the Bay (HATB) Julie Weintraub’s Hands Across the Bay is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to positively impacting the lives of Tampa Bay residents. Through acts of kindness, advocacy, mentorship and community partnerships, Hands Across the Bay supports individuals and families facing crisis.