Rebuilding Together, CNA, Construction Assoc's Deliver Critical Renovations to Celebrate 123rd Anniversary of Atlanta Youth Home

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Oct 15, 2011, 12:08 ET

Second Annual Tradesperson of the Year Contest Will Kick Off In Conjunction with Event

WASHINGTON, Oct. 14, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- What is the most impactful way to celebrate the 123rd anniversary of one of the nation's oldest child-caring homes? Thanks to a partnership between Rebuilding Together, global business insurer CNA and several construction trade associations, the anniversary of Atlanta's Carrie Steele-Pitts Home (CSPH) will be celebrated with a day of major repairs to renovate and transform the living accommodations of CSPH's young adult residents.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20090421/REBUILDINGLOGO )

On October 15, approximately 100 volunteers – representing Rebuilding Together, the nation's leading nonprofit working to preserve affordable homeownership and revitalize communities; CNA; and construction trades, including the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA), the Land Improvement Contractors of America (LICA), and the Georgia chapter of the Mechanical Contractors Association of America (MCAA) -- will paint, upgrade electricity, provide plumbing and carpentry repairs, and enhance the landscaping of two CSPH residential apartments. These critical modifications will help in the preservation and safety of the apartments, while ensuring that CSPH continues to operate and provide its residents with the highest living standards.

"These residential buildings are a critical element of the services CSPH provides to our young adult residents who are preparing to transition into lives outside of this community," said Dr. Evelyn Lavizzo, executive director, CSPH. "Here, our youth learn the value of independent living, while still experiencing a caring, family atmosphere – that many of them may not have had otherwise – that will better position them to succeed in adulthood."

Located at 667 Fairburn Road, NW, the Carrie Steele-Pitts Home is one of the nation's oldest child-caring homes, dedicated to the comprehensive care, education and shelter for Atlanta's children and young adults, in order to foster success and independence. Over 20,000 children have been cared for under CSPH's providing educational services, transitional assistance and residential care to youth that would not have access to such resources. CSPH's anniversary celebration will also include a visit to the state capitol a few days before the rebuild day.

"CNA and all of our construction association partners are proud to provide the elbow grease for these rebuild day renovations," said John Tatum, vice president – Construction, CNA. "The repairing of damaged roofing, replacing windows and doors, installing new bathroom facilities, flooring and interior walls, will serve as a wonderful commemoration for all of the work and the strong impact CSPH has had on the children of Atlanta."

In addition, the second annual Rebuilding Together Tradesperson of the Year campaign will kick off in conjunction with the event. Tradesperson of the Year, presented by WD-40®, is a national contest recognizing persons in the skilled-trades industry who are leaders in their trade and give back to the community. Chris Grundy, host of DIY Network's Cool Tools, will emcee the event and be on site with WD-40 Company representatives to help kick off the campaign. James Carey, co-host of the nationally syndicated radio show "On the House", will conduct interviews in support of Rebuilding Together's Tradesperson of the Year contest.

Since 2004, the CNA Foundation has partnered with Rebuilding Together to help improve the homes and community centers of veterans, elderly, disabled and low-income residents in Chicago's most challenged neighborhoods. Today, Rebuilding Together and CNA have expanded this relationship to assist communities nationwide, with the help of volunteers from CNA's construction partners representing the plumbing/HVAC, roofing, electrical, lawn/landscape areas of specialization.

ABOUT REBUILDING TOGETHER Rebuilding Together is the nation's leading nonprofit organization working to preserve affordable homeownership and revitalize neighborhoods by providing extensive rehabilitation and modification services to those in need at no cost to those served. With the help of everyday citizen volunteers, skilled trades people, the support of local business and major corporate partners, Rebuilding Together affiliates in America's largest cities and smallest towns make life considerably better for thousands of low-income homeowners and the communities in which they live by completing 10,000 projects per year. Rebuilding Together has programs dedicated to energy efficiency, veteran's housing, aging in place and Gulf Coast reconstruction.

For more information, visit www.RebuildingTogether.org. You can also follow Rebuilding Together on Twitter @rebldgtogthr or become a fan on Facebook at Facebook.com/RebuildingTogether. Media Contact: Whitney Flight [email protected]

ABOUT CNA Serving businesses and professionals since 1897, CNA is the country's seventh largest commercial insurance writer and the 13th largest property and casualty company. CNA's insurance products include standard commercial lines, specialty lines, surety, marine and other property and casualty coverages. CNA's services include risk management, information services, underwriting, risk control and claims administration. For more information, please visit CNA at www.cna.com. CNA is a registered trademark of CNA Financial Corporation.

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SOURCE Rebuilding Together