Day Of Caring 2005
brings unprecedented volunteer support
for eight CLO homes in Overland Park!

(...continued) The event took place on June 25th and drew unprecedented 5300 volunteers, making it one of the biggest such initiatives in the entire nation. Approximately two hundred enthusiastic workers labored over various landscaping and home improvement projects at the residences of the men and women served by Community Living Opportunities. The volunteers braved the extreme heat and scorching sun in order to complete their ambitious projects. Entire families, including the children worked tirelessly as interior walls were freshly painted in colors chosen by the men and women and previously empty landscapes were transformed into beautiful gardens.
The most elaborate project this year was the transformation of an un-used lot behind Mastin House into a park that is specially designed for persons with disabilities.  DLR Group’s David Contag, ASLA, director of urban design, has headed a team within his company to draw up a “master plan” for the park that includes a path meandering around the park with multiple stopping points of attraction and activity designed for the enjoyment and participation of persons with disabilities. Included are sensory areas with visual, auditory and tactile options, an exercise and movement area, a water garden area, and even a shelter including wheelchair accessible picnic tables and arts/crafts areas. The plans also include raised planting beds where the residents can try their own hand at growing flowers/herbs, etc. This project will have not only recreational but also therapeutic value and the residents of Mastin house have decided generously to open the garden for all the men and women served by CLO. Thanks to a massive participation, DLR Group and USDA made an impressive start on the park in just one day, but it may take many coordinated efforts (and volunteer events like Day of Caring) to complete the project. 
In each of the eight homes the volunteers were welcomed with utmost gratitude and were provided with refreshments and food.

CLO would like to thank all of the volunteers whose kindness, enthusiasm and hard work made June 25th, 2005 an unforgettable "day of caring"!

The following volunteer groups participated in the event (click on the linked homes to view image galleries):
1.Mastin House
Volunteer Team: DLR Group (www.dlr.com) and USDA (www.usda.gov)
2. South Park House
Volunteer Team: National Bank of Kansas City (www.bankofkc.com)
3. Grandview Lane House:
Volunteer Team: FDA (www.fda.gov)
4. Parker House  
Volunteer Team: Sprint (www.sprint.com)
5.FTM1
Volunteer Team: GSA (www.gsa.gov)
6. FTM2
Volunteer Team: GSA (www.gsa.gov)
7.Marty Lane House
Volunteer Team: Bank of Blue Valley (www.bankbv.com)
8. Conser House