IUPAT DC 6 Apprentices Renovate Edna House

Apprentices from the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades District Council 6 performed much-needed volunteer work at the Edna House for Women last month. Special thanks to The Albert M. Higley Co. for donating the materials in making this happen!

Located on West 65th Street in Cleveland, the facility is a former convent previously owned by the Cleveland Catholic Diocesan. Edna House, a non-profit organization funded entirely by donations, relocated to the location in 2006.

The Edna House gives women an opportunity to recover from alcohol and drug addiction by providing a safe, sober place to live, while they learn various life and job skills, combined with support to maintain a 12-step based sobriety throughout their lifetime.

The apprentices working on the project repaired drywall issues and painted the building’s living quarters.

“What they did was program changing,” said Edna House Executive Director Jenn Lasky. “The drywall and plaster was cracked and coming down. It looked horrible.”

The transformation was stunning, as the apprentices worked to makeover the area that was formerly the attic of the century-old home. Today, it serves as the sleeping quarters for 22 women, who are working to become sober and turn their lives around.

“The apprentices were amazing and kind. They made it look so much nicer and brighter,” Lasky added.

Edna House leaders had wanted to make improvements since moving into the building in 2006, but could not do so until they owned the property.

In January, the organization purchased the property and later in the year, the AM Higley Company was on site, donating time and materials to help them out. This led to a request to the Cleveland Building Trades to see if they would be able to help as well.

Cleveland Building and Construction Trades Council Executive Secretary Dave Wondolowski reached out to District Council 6, who were immediately interested in the project.

George Boots, Director of Training for the District Council, coordinated with his instructors to get the apprentices to the Edna House.

“This was a hot priority with a small timeframe,” said Boots.

First-, second- and third-year drywall apprentices fixed all issues with the drywall and then skim-coated the surface.

Once this work was finished, Instructor Justin Oshel taught them how to match the texturing on the existing ceilings.

“It takes skill and a keen eye to know how to texture,” said Boots. “The technique was a challenge, and it takes finesse to blend it in. They need to use the correct angle, amount of pressure and material to put it on the ceiling.”

Painter apprentices then primed all surfaces and applied two coats of paint. Sherwin-Williams donated the primer and paint.

Overall, the project took 17 total days, with drywall apprentices onsite for 13 days and painter apprentices onsite for four days.

During the project, the women who normally sleep in this area were temporarily moved to other areas of the house.

Lasky was concerned the work could take months, but the apprentices worked quickly and professionally to get the job done in just over two weeks.

For Boots, the project provided the apprentices not only an added experience in the field, but an opportunity where they could work at a slightly slower pace, with time to fix any mistakes they made.

“They have to learn how to correct their mistakes,” he said. “This time with their instructor is important to learn why they have to do things a certain way.”

Not only did the apprentices receive hands-on training, but additional instruction during down time, such as when the material was drying. Oshel and Painting Instructor Joe Kintyhtt essentially taught classroom courses on site, taking full advantage of their time.

Not only did the project provide apprentices with additional time to learn and improve their skills, but also another opportunity to give back to the community. The project was somewhat similar to work performed by District Council 6 members during the union’s annual IUPAT Community Day of Action.

“Business Manager/Secretary-Treasurer Jim Sherwood has really focused on rehabilitation houses as our volunteer mission,” Boots said. “We do a lot to give back to the community and projects like this help the apprentices understand why. The IUPAT has a lot of pride in giving back.”

Wondolowski was similarly proud of the work performed by the IUPAT apprentices.

“Time and time again our members continue to step up and give back, especially to critically important organizations like the Edna House,” said Wondolowski. “The services the Edna House provides save lives and help to keep families together. These institutions, sadly, are not as well funded as they should be and therefore rely on the kindness of others to help keep them afloat. District Council 6 really stepped up here as they have done many, many times before and are continuing to do so. I know the Edna House is grateful, and so am I.”

Lasky concurred with Wondolowski’s assessment and expressed appreciation on behalf of the entire staff at Edna House.

“There are not enough thank yous in the world for the painters and finishers who worked at the Edna House,” she said. “Their work was completed for the safety, support and dignity of our women and the organization here. Tears of joy are spilling out for how they enhanced this sacred space.”