Saddle Brook, NJ - June 5, 2023 - This past Saturday, GBR's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Committee joined Rebuild Together North Jersey (RTNJ) to participate in a Rebuilding Day event for a family in Ringwood, New Jersey. Greater Bergen REALTORS® partner, Rebuilding Together North Jersey, is part of a national network of nonprofits that provide low-income homeowners with critical repairs and modifications across Bergen and Passaic Counties. 

The small but mighty DEI team of six, in collaboration with members of RTNJ, tackled several cosmetic fixes to the homeowner's house, including newly painted ceilings and walls. The crew also replaced the hardwood floors on the main floor of the home, and made repairs to the exterior, including repairs the front steps.

The homeowners of the newly renovated Ringwood home are one of many families belonging to Passaic County Native American tribe, The Turtle Clan of the Ramapough Lenape Nation, who were greatly impacted by the after effects of a toxic waste spill. Due to the hazardous spill, cancer and other severe health problems began to spread within the community, now known to locals as "Cancer Row."

The DEI Committee and RTNJ made it their mission to help the local family, and show them that REALTORS® care about their communities, where it is important that a home must be a safe and comfortable place for a family to live. In lending their time and energy, the team was able to lift the spirits of the Ringwood family, and will continue to participate in Rebuilding Day in the months and years to come!

"I am thankful for the support and high level of commitment of our committee members. Today was such an inspiring and humbling experience. Moments like this are when I definitely count my blessings and remember the importance of helping others." -Dora Omana, 2023 DEI Committee Chair.

To join the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee, and to check out all other GBR committees, click HERE!