Our Mission

Bringing volunteers and communities together to improve the homes and lives of homeowners in need, assuring they live in warmth, safety, dignity and independence.

Our Vision

Safe homes and communities for everyone

Who We Are

Rebuilding Together Duneland is an affiliate of Rebuilding Together (headquartered in Washington,D.C.), the nation's largest nonprofit volunteer organization dedicated to rehabilitating communities and homes of neighbors in need, focusing strongly on older people, persons with disabilities and those with children.

Rebuilding Together started with the simple act of neighbors helping neighbors.

In 1973, a small group of people in Midland, Texas, realized a growing need in their community. Homes in their community had fallen into disrepair and their neighbors could not afford to fix them on their own. The group volunteered their time and skills to rehabilitate the homes of their neighbors. Realizing the potential impact of this work, the group formed Christmas in April, with the intent of performing repair and rehabilitation work in their community every April.

News of the group’s good work spread slowly, but eventually achieved national recognition. The mission spread beyond the idea of providing service once a year in April to bringing together partners from all walks of life to help our neighbors year-round. We opened the national office in 1988 and became Rebuilding Together.

Today, Rebuilding Together has grown into a premier nonprofit community revitalization organization.

Our Rebuilding Together - Duneland affiliate has been helping the Duneland community since 1997. See Our Impact to learn about our contributions to the community.

Who We Serve

Rebuilding Together Duneland serves those who live in the Duneland School District (Chesterton, Porter and Burns Harbor).


We help homeowners who qualify for assistance with needed repairs to help keep them safe, warm and dry. We also work on community projects throughout the Duneland area.


Rebuilding Day (our annual work day) is the last Saturday in April. We also have a year-round emergency fund. Rebuilding Together Duneland serves those who live in the Duneland School District (Chesterton, Porter and Burns Harbor).

Our Board

EXECUTIVE BOARD

President

Sam Allie - owner Sam Allie State Farm

Vice-President

Olivia Vargo

Treasurer

Scott Mundell, Director of Strategy and Business Development - Franciscan Health

Secretary

Chris Larr, Retired CDL Trainer - Valparaiso Community Schools



Chesterton High School Student Liaisons

Veronica Wilgocki

Sam Griffin


BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Fundraising Chairperson

Keith Davison, Financial Advisor - Ameriprise Financial

Marketing Director

LeeAnn Hall, Digital Marketing Strategist - Compass Marketing

Volunteer Coordinator

Eric Bunch, owner Bunch Jewelers

Construction Coordinators

Terry Clark, Delivery Administrator - Indiana Beverage Inc.

Sam Fazekas, Director of Renewable Generation - NIPSCO

Logistics Chair

Melissa Jaeger, owner My Office Assistance LLC

Homeowner Application

Nancy Veselica. Retired from Lakeshore Bone & Joint

Materials Coordinator

JD Williamson, Account Manager at Atlas Toyota

AT LARGE BOARD MEMBERS

Trent Albert, Rebuilding Day Photographer, Photographer - Albert Photographic


Are you interested in making a difference in your community at the leadership level?

 Rebuilding Together Duneland is looking for a few people to fill roles as board members or work-day ambassadors. These volunteer roles offer a unique opportunity to help members of the Duneland community to make their homes warm, safe, & dry and to help our community centers stay updated and viable for years to come. 

  • What would I be doing as a board member?

    As a board member, we meet approximately once/month from early fall through January at a local restaurant where we discuss project applications, approvals, logistics, general planning, & strategies. After January, we meet twice/month until our big day, which is the last Saturday of April each year.



  • What would I be doing as an Ambassador?

    As a work-day ambassador, you would be the liaison between the project captain, the homeowner, and the board to assist in helping the project run smoothly. This position does not require the time commitment of a board member, but certainly is vital to the process.

  • What are the benefits?

    Being a part of Rebuilding Together Duneland is a great way to give back to the community. As a board member, ambassador, or a volunteer you can give a little bit of your time and energy to really make an immediate impact on your neighbors. It’s a great way to make personal and business contacts and an opportunity to bring together teams of employees, families, and friends.

  • I’m interested, how do I get a little more info?

    We would love to chat with you and invite you to one of our meetings! Please email info@rtduneland.org to coordinate a phone call!