 The ministry won the award due its recycling efforts, which raise money for the
organization.Home Sweet Home's recycling business has become an integral part
of the ministry, according to Sabrina Burkiewicz, a spokeswoman for the
organization.
"Many people are surprised to hear we recycle, but we have been recycling
clothes, shoes, household goods, metals, glass, electronics and cardboard for
several years," Burkiewicz said.
She says the ministry recycled over a million pounds in 2012.
"We recycled 1.5 million pounds in 2012, which raised about $178,000 for the
shelter," she noted. "This does not count the 510,000 items that passed through
our Mission Mart thrift stores, raising money for the mission, while keeping
510,000 items out of local landfills."
Mary Ann Pullin, CEO of Home Sweet Home, says she is proud of the ministry's
stewardship in this area.
"The recycling efforts at Home Sweet Home bring together three of our core
values: stewardship, teamwork and collaboration," Pullin said. "At Home Sweet
Home, we are serious about making the best use of all resources that come our
way."
Pullin also noted that recycling and reuse of items occurs in all areas of
the shelter's operation.
"Employees and volunteers in food services accept extra food from restaurants
and grocery stores; shelter services accepts toiletries and toilet paper from
local hotels; maintenance and administrative areas reuse office supplies and
construction materials such as carpet and ceiling tiles," she said. "Our
community partners help make this possible by donating unwanted items to us.
This award honors all who are involved with us in recycling."
Pullin says she hopes this inspires other organizations to follow suit.
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Burkiewicz, who oversees the businesses operated by the ministry,
which raise money for shelter operations, says she proud of this
achievement.
"We have been working away at building our recycling business for
eight years," she said. "With our new warehouse and our dedicated
team of employees and volunteers, we have grown enough that our
efforts have been recognized the Illinois Recycling Association, and
that feels great!"
Home Sweet Home Ministries is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit,
nondenominational Christian organization serving homeless and
low-income individuals and families in Bloomington through a variety
of programs. Home Sweet Home provides numerous services 24 hours a
day, 365 days a year.
[Text from file received from
Home Sweet Home Ministries]
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