After fire, Furniture Bank helps family look forward
Berlinda Branner heard the smoke alarm at eight in the morning and immediately knew something was wrong. "I woke my family up and we got out", she says.
On that snowy Saturday, Berlinda, her daughter Shareika and her five-year-old grandson Damarcus watched their home and most of their belongings go up in flames.
Berlinda's landlord quickly moved her family into another house, but it was completely
unfurnished - it wasn't a home. And after Furniture Bank received an emergency referral from the Department of Human Services, the Branners received beds, dressers, a complete living room set and a dining table with four chairs.
"I am so thankful and blessed; I couldn't imagine what I would do if the Furniture Bank didn't exist. I couldn't afford to replace what was lost", says Berlinda.
Furniture Bank of Southeastern Michigan helps low-income families in Oakland and Macomb counties recover from the material losses associated with a fire. Most of these families do not have home owner's or renter's insurance to cover these losses, which amount to thousands of dollars.
In addition to fire victims, Furniture Bank also helps women and children fleeing domestic violence, the homeless who finally have a place of their own, and young adults who are transitioning out of foster care.
"Furniture Bank helped me out a lot. The furniture I received is beautiful," says Berlinda, smiling. "I'm now looking forward."
For more information on our services or to schedule a tax-deductible furniture donation, call 248-332-1300.
We are pleased to present the second edition of our online newsletter, The Monthly Deposit. We hope that it will give you a better idea of what we do and who we help.
Our mission is to improve lives in Oakland and Macomb counties by collecting gently used furniture and appliances and giving them to families in need. This has an immediate, positive impact and provides part of the basic foundation on which a successful life can be built.
We encourage your thoughts, feedback and story ideas. Please let us know what you think at friends@furniture-bank.org.
The Monthly Deposit
News of Furniture Bank's mission
to furnish hope
Updated Feb. 16, 2010
Furniture Bank thanks board members for years of service, welcomes new leaders
Furniture Bank bids a tearful adieu to three longtime board members, Jill Lord, Kay Bell and Robert Smith, and expresses heartfelt thanks for their many years of service and commitment.
Jill was an integral part of the organization for 15 years as a volunteer member of staff. She also served on the Furniture Bank board and was a past president. For many years, Jill played a key role in planning Furniture Bank's annual Chair Affair fundraisers, and her
leadership was important to the event's longstanding success.
Bob Smith has been a volunteer with the organization for 13 years. He is a former board president and most recently served as secretary. Kay Bell has 12 years of service on the board, nearly half of that time as board treasurer, and has demonstrated invaluable leadership.
Joining the board are Victor Arbulu, Heather Sullivan and Alicia Morris. Victor, who will serve as incoming treasurer, has a wealth of nonprofit experience, working with JVS' Community Advisory Counsel, the Detroit Micro Enterprise Fund and the U.S. Social Forum.
New Board Secretary Heather Sullivan is a former Senior Manager for IT Global Sourcing at Chrysler, and holds a BS, MS and MBA from the University of Michigan. Returning Board Member Alicia Morris currently runs her own tax service. She was previously the Executive Director of Lighthouse Emergency Services.
Furniture Bank thanks its outgoing board members for their exceptional leadership, and welcomes three new, talented leaders in their place.
Estate Sale slated for April 9 & 10
Looking for that perfect piece in your living room? Do you see shabby chic as a way of life? Then stop by the Furniture Bank Estate Sale, which will be held at First United Methodist Church of Birmingham on Friday, April 9 from 9 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., and Saturday, April 10 from 9 a.m. - 12 noon.
You'll find all kinds of unique furniture and items, both old and new, and you'll also be supporting Furniture Bank's mission to furnish hope for those in need.
First United Methodist Church is located at 1589 West Maple Road, between Cranbrook and Southfield roads.
For more information about the Estate Sale, contact Pat Weber at 248-332-1300.
The Furniture Bank of Southeastern Michigan
Furniture Bank of Southeastern Michigan provides donated furniture and appliances to those living at the poverty level and the increasing number of working poor. It places a priority on the needs of children, the homeless, victims of fire and theft, as well as those with disabilities, medical emergencies and mental illness.
A United Way partner organization, Furniture Bank is a 501(c) 3 nonprofit organization that currently serves 4,000 families in Oakland and Macomb counties annually.
You can donate online to help more families make their house a home, or make a furniture or appliance donation and take advantage of our free pick-up service with the donation of at least one essential household item. Click here for more information.
Join us on Facebook! The Furniture Bank maintains a Facebook page where information about our upcoming events, available pickups, and news regardung the organization is available!
