Handyman Matters Makes Showering for Rainbows’ Child Possible

April 19, 2012 - PRLog -- Derby, KS- April 13, 2012- J.J. Hooper is a busy thirteen-year-old young man, hard to slow down and a joy to be around.  The last two years in a row he has been on the honor roll.  After school is a whirlwind of activity.  Boy Scouts. Columbian Squire.  Red Team Track.  7th Grade Choir.
   
Often it is difficult to tell some things are challenging for this amazing young man who is polite, respectful and prone to grinning from ear to ear.  J.J. has Asperger’s Syndrome, a high functioning form of autism which causes social interaction and appropriate behavior to be difficult for him.

He has a close support system, including his mother, Marlo, and support from Rainbows United.  They both assist him daily with getting ready in the morning which is difficult since he is slow to rise and the family only has a bathtub that is very slow to fill.  Plus, J.J. despises baths.

With a life as active as his, evening baths for him are out of the question.  He really needs access to a shower.  However, in this single parent home, money is tight, so converting his tub into a shower was not an option.

When Handyman Matters decided to give back to the community, they knew exactly who to approach to find who could benefit most from their services.  Teresa Coppola, the Business Development Manager at Handyman Matters, knew first-hand how incredible Rainbows United is since her own son is receiving services, all at no cost to the family.

During the process of selecting a project, Rainbows United explained J.J.’s situation to Handyman Matters without divulging any personal information about the family.  When Phil Davis, the president of Handyman Matters, heard about J.J. and his family, he said, “This shower project has the potential to really change one person’s life that can impact so many more.  Haven’t we all known someone like J.J. in our school life?”

The bathroom modification is scheduled for Friday, April 27th and Saturday, April 28th, 2012.  Two Handyman Matters’ employees, Ed and Steve, will be providing labor- free of charge- to replace the faucet, install a tub wall surround and shower kit for the family.  The materials are provided with resources secured through Rainbows United Targeted Case Management Services.


Marlo is tickled to have this modification made for her son.  When asked how she thought this would increase J.J.’s comfort, her response was, “He finally won’t have to wait ten minutes for the water to get warm, and then wait ten minutes for the tub to fill.  He’s kind of like me; he likes to go ninety miles a minute!”

Teresa from Handyman Matters and fellow Rainbow’s parent met with the family over two days after work.  On the second day, she brought along two of her kids.  While Teresa and Marlo visited about being “Unique Mothers”, J.J., Logan and Lacy played at the park across the street from J.J.’s home.

When it was time for Teresa and her kids to leave, she asked J.J. what he thought about finally getting a shower instead of the old bathtub.  

J.J. grinned from ear to ear.  He lifted both thumbs up high in the air.  “I think it’s AWESOME!”  Then he pointed to Logan and Lacy.  “Just like them, it’s good.”

That’s the best seal of approval you can get.


For more information regarding this story, please contact Handyman Matters directly at (316)773-0303 or visit online at www.HandymanMatters.com/Wichita.

Rainbows United is dedicated to enhancing the lives of children with special needs and their families by bringing together community resources and providing customized services as they have been for the past 39 years.


About Handyman Matters of Wichita
Wichita natives, husband and wife Phil and Shelley Davis opened their Handyman Matters of Wichita franchise in 2005.  Their award winning franchise serves the repair, restoration and maintenance needs of both residential and business clients. Handyman Matters of Wichita specializes in small- to mid-size projects covering a wide range of “around-the-house” handyman tasks, repairs, installations and maintenance found on everyone’s to-do lists, including bathroom remodeling. Recently Phil has directed efforts to serve the aging population by providing economical home modifications that allow seniors to remain in their homes. Phil is a licensed contractor (#6344) and all craftsmen are employees, background screened and insured. For more information, contact Phil by phone at 316-773-0303; email Phil@HandymanMatters.com; or learn more at www.handymanmatters.com/wichita.

About Rainbows United
Rainbows United provides many vital services for children with special needs, birth through age 21, and their families.  They are on the leading edge of implementing the latest, most effective therapies for children with developmental delays.  They are the regional leader in early childhood development, including on-site educational child care and pre kindergarten classes.  They are the experts who are called to visit the hospital hours after a baby is born who will face developmental challenges. They are home grown and nationally recognized; a grateful recipient and responsible steward of their contributions and resources.  They willingly serve everyone -- the family with the ability to pay for services, and their neighbors with few options and resources.