TIFFIN—Members of Mercy Hospital of Tiffin’s Mission Services Committee and of the hospital’s management team helped remodel the evaluation room and kitchen of Tiffin’s PatchWorks House. This project was born in 2008 and came to fruition in early 2009.

John Halstead, left, and Dave Gardner from Mercy Hospital of Tiffin prepare floors for new coverings at the PatchWorks House. (Photo courtesy of Mercy Hospital of Tiffin)

“We believe that the PatchWorks House project fits perfectly into our mission," says John Halstead, director of Mission and Values Integration for the hospital. “We enjoyed working together to make it a reality.”

PatchWorks is a family service agency that provides support, guidance and assistance to families who have suffered some type of trauma such as abuse, neglect, divorce, separation or child custody issues that may cause stress or difficulty. It provides an alternative to cold offices, sterile waiting rooms and courtrooms that can be uncomfortable for children. PatchWorks House provides a warm, comfortable, home-like setting where families and children can feel safe and receive services.

“We saw a need and were pleased to receive an enthusiastic response from those who volunteered some valuable time to help others,” the Rev. Halstead says.

The project included stripping wallpaper from the PatchWorks House evaluation room, removing linoleum floors, cupboards, countertops and sinks and preparing walls and ceilings for paint and new wall coverings in the kitchen.

Those assisting with the project were Mary Bevier, Pete Kehres, Lisa Felton, Laurie Kaple, Tress Hodkinson, Steve Guilkey, Emily Streacker, Gwen Wiseman, Laura Gaietto, Travis Grasley, Bernie Steinmetz, Bob Enders, Dave Gardner, John Halstead, Darla Metz and Matt Schlagheck. Lowe’s and Clouse Construction provided discounted materials and labor for the project.