Women’s group helps women vets
A project on Wednesday and Thursday at Robin’s Home proves that women can do anything men can do.
Two different 10-person crews from the Sherwin-Williams Women’s Networking Group sanded, spackled, primed and painted five bedrooms occupied by women who have served their country in the military.
Robin’s Home director Mary Chitwood said funds were few three years ago when Robin’s Home began its mission to provide supportive housing to women veterans, so inexpensive paint was used in the bedrooms.
Earlier this year, Chitwood paid residents who were able to paint the common areas of the cozy home, but, having learned her lesson, she opted for quality paint from Sherwin-Williams Paint Store in Alameda Plaza.
As Chitwood registered Robin’s Home for an account at the store, she chatted with employee Kiara Oesterling about the home and its mission to support female veterans.
Oesterling then approached her Sherwin-Williams Women’s Networking Group, which completes two or three charitable projects per year in the western third of Pennsylvania.
“It just fell together,” Oesterling said. “We thought it very fitting that our women’s group is doing a project for women veterans.”
Perhaps the most excited group member to participate in the painting project was Katie Miller, of New Stanton, Westmoreland County.
Miller served in the Marine Corps with the military police, Company Bravo, from 2006 to 2012.
Sgt. Miller deployed to Afghanistan in 2011.
“To me, it really hit home,” Miller said of the project at Robin’s Home. “I know what these women have been through. I know what it’s like, and it’s not easy.”
Miller prepared and patched any imperfections on the bedroom walls and ceilings before helping to expertly apply the 20 gallons of paint donated by Sherwin-Williams.
The company also provided all materials, doughnuts, bagels, coffee, bottled water and a pizza lunch for the project.
The crew shared the lunch with the veterans living at Robin’s Home.
“We thank them for their service,” Miller said.
One Women’s Networking Group member, Katrina Miller, drove from Weirton, W.Va., to help out Wednesday.
She used a handheld electric sander to smooth a blemish on a third-floor bedroom wall.
“I think it’s exciting,” Miller said of the project. “It’s nice to be able to meet the veterans and talk to them and know we are making Robin’s Home a little more comfortable.”
Resident Kate N., who served in the Army for 13 years, looks forward to the upgrade in her bedroom.
“It’ll be awesome. because then I can decorate,” she said. “I think it’s awesome that they’re doing it for us.”
Resident Lisa L. said the project will give her room a fresh, new update.
“And it’s women supporting women,” she said.
Monetary donations and a list of items that can be donated to Robin’s Home can be found at robinshome.us.
