The Home Depots in Brevard and Indian River County shared their magic, transforming the landscape outside the Edward M. Poe Care Center and our new Courtenay Springs Care Center. When a patient or their family need to step outside to take a break, feel the breeze on their face or see the sun as it sets, The Home Depot has made a place for that to happen. “We are so grateful that Home Depot cares for our patients and created thoughtful areas for reflection and peace. When our mission is to uplift lives every day we are humbled when our community partners gift themselves to that purpose.” Joe Killian, President and CEO St. Francis Reflections Lifestage Care.
Along with beautiful plants, custom made benches, and picnic table, a flagpole was placed on the Courtenay Springs site. “I was honored to not only pin three Home Depot associates but to be surprised by a 94 year old Veteran resident who helped to raise the flag for the very first time. As I pinned this wonderful Veteran of 94 years and handed him a challenge coin he kissed it. That brings tears to my eyes to watch his love of country in action.” Christine Tate, Community Engagement Coordinator for Veteran Service. To his delight, the Home Depot team honored the Veteran with an orange Team Depot shirt.
The Edward M. Poe Care Center was treated to a new table, chairs umbrella, and heater for the patio that expands the daily use for patients and their families. The front of the building has new pavers and a custom made rock display container box that displays the personalized rocks from memorial services including the Reflections of Love events. The rocks from each of the 2021 locations will be collected and added to these boxes in February when the lights of the trees go out.
The grounds of the care centers were refreshed and the NorthStar room in Titusville received a needed gift of a new refrigerator. “Frank Branson and Home Depot are my heroes. Their commitment to our work with our NorthStar Program and the 160 kids we are caring for is overwhelming. Whether it is art supplies, plants and pots or a new refrigerator these gifts touch the lives of children across the county. Thank you does not seem adequate but it is absolutely heartfelt.” Lynn Kiefer
Volunteers came from Home Depots as far away as Fort Pierce to help with these special projects. The team included Michael Placyk, Department Supervisor who custom built all the wood furniture and boxes and Randy Ford, Department Supervisor who helped plan and lead the team at Courtenay Springs Care Center. Once all the other planting was completed, a signature orange tree was planted at both sites as a reminder of the generosity of The Home Depot in orange.