Cornerstone Building Brands donates to Women's Crisis Services
Cornerstone Building Brands marked the 15th anniversary of the Helping Hand program with the donation of a new Mueller building to the Women’s Crisis Services of LeFlore County, located in Poteau, Okla. The Helping Hand program supports the missions of nonprofits by annually awarding a building of up to 4,000 square feet and was established by Mueller Supply Company, a residential metal roofing and steel building company recently acquired by Cornerstone Building Brands.
This year’s recipient of the new structure, Women’s Crisis Services of LeFlore County, offers relief and support for victims who have suffered physical or emotional abuse as a result of family violence, stalking and/or sexual assault. The organization was selected from among nearly 250 applicants.
The new, fully-outfitted building was manufactured and erected by a crew from Cornerstone Building Brands, including members of the Mueller brand team and other partners, in just three days. It provides additional space and facilities for the Women’s Crisis Services of LeFlore County staff and significantly expands their ability to supply therapy, shelter, crisis intervention and court advocacy services to victims in need – many of whom reside in this high poverty area within Choctaw nation.
During the recent dedication ceremony, Matt Ackley, president of shelter solutions at Cornerstone Building Brands, delivered the keys to the new building to Bethany Black, executive director of the Women’s Crisis Services of LeFlore County. The ceremony was attended by local government officials, law enforcement, tribal dignitaries and volunteers who helped with construction.
“This generous donation of a Mueller shelter is a tremendous help as we work to break the cycle of violence within LeFlore County and our community,” said Black. “There are hundreds of women searching for a safe space to escape their current situations, so expanding our impact and capabilities is crucial to giving the best care we can.”
The Helping Hand charitable program began in 2009 during the economic recession. Previous building recipients include organizations focused on medical services, child and single-mother care, and vocational and experiential learning for children. This year is the first time the new building recipients are located outside of Texas, where Mueller was founded.
“At Cornerstone Building Brands, we’re proud to support community-driven work through initiatives like the Mueller brand’s Helping Hand program,” said Ackley. "Similar to our Home for Good project, which helps build affordable housing for families in need across North America, this is a wonderful example of living our company’s purpose of positively contributing to the communities where we live, work and play. I'm honored to be part of a team that helped make a difference for the Women’s Crisis Services of LeFlore County and those they serve.”
