CREW runs on a shoestring budget and has done well in being able to provide services to those who are often disenfranchised due to transportation and other economic factors. Approximately two years ago, CREW was informed that they would have to relocate, much to their angst. Amazingly, in the eleventh hour, individuals and organizations stepped up to make the move happen. Not only did CREW double it's space for operations, Stried Painting came in and donated painting the entire place! It wasn't just about the paint, the space had been used for a behavior disordered school previously, and there were holes in the walls, and markings that needed to be covered. What Stried Painting did was to take a battered down old high school space and turn it into a beautiful location that will assist residents in rebuilding their lives.

This work fulfills the vision of CREW, which is: To live, to work and to play in a community where all citizens have the opportunity to engage in life-affirming, life-enriching activities designed to strengthen our families, our neighborhoods, our world and us.

For more information about CREW visit crewinc.org

In July, 2007, Stried Painting, Inc. teamed up with Abbott Laboratories to provide materials and patching work to the Neal Math and Science Academy in North Chicago, district #187. The Neal Math and Science Academy is dedicated to helping students find success as they prepare for high school. The school features 7th and 8th grade students that are well on their way to success! Thanks to everyone at Abbott that pitched in and gave some classrooms a facelift!

In June 2006, Stried Painting, Inc. donated painting services to A Safe Place in Waukegan, IL. A Safe Place provides shelter, court advocacy and counseling services for victims of domestic violence. To find out more about this organization, visit asafeplaceforhelp.org. At this website you can find help if you or someone you care about has been a victim of domestic violence, make a monetary donation, or view a wish-list of needed shelter items. Help support these courageous women and children by visiting asafeplaceforhelp.org today.

As we all know, the Holiday Season is a time to give of ourselves. At times, those experiences of giving enrich not only the lives of others, but our own lives. Recently, Stried Painting, Inc. was privileged to be involved with Project Patrick in Lake Zurich, Illinois.

Patrick Leibforth is just under a year old and was born with a congenital heart defect. His parents, Bob and Mary, work around the clock monitoring him or visiting him in the hospital. Due to the huge expense of growing medical bills, the addition and renovation on their home was delayed and the house fell into disrepair. Along with several other local contractors, Stried Painting, Inc. jumped at the chance to lend a hand.

On December 9, 2005, we completed some paint work in the Leibforth's home. Many of us see our home as our sanctuary and we were happy to help the Leibforth Family feel more comfortable in their home during these difficult times. Our warmest wishes go out to them this Holiday Season. If you would like to know more about this little miracle named Patrick, please visit projectpatrick.org and see what you can do to help. Happy Holidays!

On May 21st 2005, Stried Painting, Inc. was a proud participant in the Great Strides Walk for Cystic Fibrosis, at Independence Grove in Libertyville. According to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, CF is a genetic disease affecting approximately 30,000 Americans. A defective gene causes the body to produce abnormally thick mucus that clogs the lungs, pancreas and other organs. Even with today's medical advances, the median age of survival for a person with CF is the mid 30's.

At Stried Painting, Inc. we think it is important to give back to our community. We had a great time at the Great Strides Walk, and we are looking forward to the 2005 North Shore Classic Golf outing for Cystic Fibrosis on September 26th at the Merit Club in Libertyville. We hope to see you there!