Team of Sponsors Plans Renovation of Apostles’ House Shelter in Newark

By Alexandra Gakos

Ten years ago, The Shauger Group teamed up with several other organizations to perform an extreme makeover at The Apostles’ House, a shelter for homeless and at-risk families in Newark. It was a memorable project for The Shauger Group and its partners—and one that, most importantly, had a meaningful impact on the lives of others. After a weekend of dedication and hard work, it was extremely touching to see the residents' elation—and tears of joy—as they moved back into their beautiful new home after the makeover.

In honor of the 10-year anniversary of the 2007 team effort, The Shauger Group has once again assembled a team of volunteers to make necessary updates and renovations to the shelter. On Saturday, May 6, 2017, The Shauger Group will proudly partner with the New Jersey Devils; Bobcat of North Jersey; Atlas Desk & Office Services; Trenk, DiPasquale, Della Fera & Sodono, P.C.; SUEZ North America; Pure Properties; and Inglesino, Webster, Wyciskala, & Taylor, LLC for another service project at the Apostles' House.

US Senator of New Jersey Cory Booker will be in attendance, as will representatives from the Newark City Council and Essex County Board of Chosen Freeholders. Senator Booker was intricately involved in the original renovation in 2007, when he was serving as the mayor of Newark. Always committed to the Apostles’ House and to the well-being of its residents, Senator Booker will once again be on-site—this time as a US senator—to welcome the families back to their new home.

Together, all volunteers will work together to refurbish the Apostles' House, replacing mattresses, bed frames, and bed linens; redesigning and redecorating residents' rooms; donating new computers; painting as needed; doing backyard cleanup; and attending to any other projects that will benefit the shelter. Aldo Design Group will donate area rugs and carpeting for the first floor and staircases, and J.P.L. Painting & Wallcovering, Inc. will donate its services to paint the first floor. Louis T. Roselle, Inc. will donate dumpsters for volunteers to use for the day’s cleanup.

In the meantime, the volunteers will treat the Apostles' House residents to a breakfast out, followed by a fun day at the Essex County Turtle Back Zoo in West Orange. The residents will then return to the Apostles’ House in the afternoon, at which time the refurbished shelter will be unveiled.

After the unveiling, residents and volunteers will celebrate together at a backyard barbecue at the Apostles' House. Classic Café Management will generously donate all food for the barbecue, as well as for a continental breakfast for the day’s volunteers.

“When we performed the first extreme makeover of the Apostles’ House in 2007, it was an unforgettable experience,” said Donald Shauger, executive vice president of The Shauger Group. “We all were passionate about the project, and there wasn’t a dry eye in the room when we unveiled the renovated shelter to the families who lived there. It’s something that none of us could ever forget, and we are so glad we can once again bring this project to life. The residents of the shelter deserve it.”

Anyone interested in donating to the Apostles' House and to the renovation project, specifically, should contact Lisa Elam at lelam@shauger.com or 973-676-2100.