Homes for people and hope for a cure

Baker Tilly Wishes brings the resources of our firm and our people together to tackle big issues. Learn how three team members used $10,000 Wishes grants to inspire hope by building communities and raising awareness for life-threatening medical issues.

Building houses, creating homes

Consulting Manager Ronald Cintron first volunteered with Mobile Loaves and Fishes during Baker Tilly Stewardship Week 2021. The organization builds communities of “tiny homes” — permanent housing for those struggling with homelessness — along with resources and work opportunities together in one place, called the Community First! Village. Joined by his colleagues from our Austin, Texas office, Ronald helped with landscaping, home building, gardening, and moving furniture and other items for residents.

“Right away I was so impressed with the positive impact they were making on the homeless population in Austin,” said Ronald.

Working to address homelessness in Austin since 1998, Mobile Loaves and Fishes focuses its efforts on three areas: food, clothing and hygiene item delivery to people without homes; building safe, affordable permanent housing; and a community works program to help people use their skills to earn an income.

“The folks who live in the village do a lot, whether it's maintaining the community garden or working in the mechanic shop – there are even some artists who created the art displayed around the area,” Ronald said.

With the $10,000 Baker Tilly Wishes grant, the group can build one to two tiny homes, providing permanent housing in a safe and thriving neighborhood.

Raising awareness of ALS

From neighborhood walks to ice bucket challenges: raising awareness for ALS

When Senior People Solutions Manager Natalie Campbell’s father, Hugh, was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in 2018, the ALS Association supported her family from the beginning. The organization provided Natalie’s family with resources to help her dad maintain his independence, including a wheelchair, an electric scooter, ramps, electronic utensils and more.

“We didn't know if there was any support available until we met with this organization,” Natalie said. “They even provided grants for home renovations to install a chairlift on my parents’ staircase, as well as some of my dad’s home care.”

These resources are offered through the ALS Association’s loan closet, which they keep stocked through fundraising events like the Walk to Defeat ALS, which Natalie’s family supports.

“We have a huge family. In addition to a large local contingent, we had family from Philadelphia, Tennessee and Maryland come to support us at the walk in Pittsburgh.” Natalie said. “We had close to 50 people on that walk and were one of the top ten fundraising teams.”

Natalie said the viral ice bucket challenge has been instrumental in raising awareness for the disease, but there’s still more to be done.

“Until you see someone living with ALS, you don’t really know how the disease can affect people,” Natalie said.

When Natalie’s father passed away, the family listed the ALS Association for donations.

“The greatest gift we can give to my dad is to help others that have been diagnosed with this disease. So, we continue to fight for a cure and to help those that already have it to live comfortably and with the proper equipment that they need."

Funds for a cure

More than 6 million Americans have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. Senior Assurance Manager Robin Lutz has witnessed the effects of Alzheimer’s and dementia, having lost her mother and aunt to Alzheimer’s disease. She now ardently supports the Alzheimer’s Association by raising funds through the Ride to End Alz and the Walk to End Alz, raising over $6,000 in 2022 so far.

The Alzheimer’s Association provides caregiving resources to families and communities and funds research for early detection and prevention of Alzheimer’s disease.