Atlanta Design & Build recently had the opportunity to thank Jan Jordan, former Executive Director of Rebuilding Together Atlanta (RTA), for the incredible good she has done over the years for so many others.
Rebuilding Together Atlanta (RTA) is a non-profit organization that we at Atlanta Design & Build applaud and help support. Volunteers from the Georgia Power Company and leaders in the community started RTA in 1992. RTA works to assure low-income homeowners, particularly older adults, military veterans, and people with disabilities live in warmth, safety, and independence. Everything is provided for free to these individuals. The goal is to make a sustainable impact in partnerships with communities. Dale Contant holds the purpose of RTA in such high regard that he served on their board for several years.
Jan Jordan was the Executive Director at RTA for over a decade until her retirement in 2015. She was inspired to get involved with RTA due to her past experiences of working in the non-profit field. “Working to help others always motivated me to do more,” explains Jan. “It gave me a sense of pride and joy!”
During Jan’s time as Executive Director, there was an increase in new organizational partnerships such as major volunteer groups, civic clubs, skilled trade groups, housing organizations, and the City of Atlanta. A corporate partners program was developed that provided funding which allowed RTA to do even more in the twenty-two communities it served. “My best experiences and memories were seeing the look on homeowners faces after we finished a rebuild,” Jan shared.
Camille Kesler, current Executive Director of RTA, revealed that the organization has always wanted to return the favor to Jan. So as a gift, they hired a lawn care company to work on Jan’s three acre yard. For two days and with a crew of five, the overgrown ivy was removed, limbs and debris removed, the lawn mowed, mulched and new pine straw installed. “My husband Carl and I will always be grateful for this gift from ‘Team RTA’,” Jan emphasizes.
After retiring from RTA and having open-heart surgery, it became difficult for Jan to navigate the steps leading from the back of her house to the outside courtyard. “But another precious gift came our way from Atlanta Design & Build,” says Jan. “Now with new steps and railing, I can go up and down the steps with no fear of falling. Thank you, Dale, Vicki, and the ADB carpentry team.”
ADB is so pleased to be able to show our appreciation to Jan Jordan for all she has done to help our community. In her indelible fashion, Jan expressed her appreciation as well: “Thanks to the staff, RTA Board of Directors, and Dale Contant, President of Atlanta Design & Build for the wonderful gifts.”