The Front Porch Project
What is the Front Porch Project?
The Front Porch Project was an inaugural effort by the Barefoot Baby Foundation to enrich the lives of McDowell County families by constructing small, yet meaningful, outdoor porches. Each 8'x12' porch was thoughtfully designed and built to provide a comfortable and inviting space for family gatherings, playtime, and quiet moments of relaxation.
Project Goals
- Enhance Family Bonding: Create a space that encourages families to spend quality time together.
- Promote Outdoor Living: Provide a safe and enjoyable outdoor area that fosters connection with nature.
- Support Low-Income Families: Offer this valuable addition to families in need, helping to improve their living environment.
Our Partners
The success of the Front Porch Project is made possible through the generous support of our partners:
Hunter Construction
Chad Hunter of Hunter Construction is a family man who puts his heart into every project he completes. His team not only built our porches, but Chad will also helped choose recipients by assisting our team with determining the structural integrity of the homes, performed on-site inspections, and spent a number of hours outside of the builds themselves assisting our team.
Spencer's Hardware
Nancy Spencer of Spencer's Hardware has a heart for community. We were honored to have her not only as a business that donated materials, but more importantly, Nancy was on the decision committee. Nancy used her love and knowledge of McDowell to help our team choose porches based on where they made the most impact.
Lowes of Marion, NC
Lowes of Marion has shown their dedication to our community by enthusiastically offering to provide lumber for the project at cost. Their support shows that big-box stores still care, and their donation is integral to our ability to reach as many families as possible.
Walmart of Marion
The team at Marion's local Walmart graciously supported the project with a $1500 SparkGood grant to provide seating, lighting, and anything else we needed to help make the three porches "memory-ready". We are so grateful for their support!
Kathryn Rudisil, Professional Interior Decorator, Owner of Peri Social House (Black Mountain) and Gold River Campground (Marion)
Kathryn Rudisil volunteered to lend her expertise to our team as we utilized the funds provided by Walmart. Kathryn brought her incredible vision for each porch to life using information provided by each family. With a limited budget of $500, her frugality was tested, but her talent still shined through and each space looked absolutely incredible!
LeighAnne Crowder, Lulla B Photography
LeighAnne is a talented local photographer with a heart of gold. As soon as we announced the Front Porch Project and its goals, she let us know she would love to provide each family with the gift of a photo shoot on their new porch. She captured some of the very first family members made on the new space, hopefully starting a legacy of years of moments to come.
Impact on the Community
Building Stronger Families
By providing families with a dedicated outdoor space, we aim to foster stronger family bonds and improve their quality of life. These porches will serve as a foundation for countless memories, from shared meals to relaxing evenings.
Strengthening Community Ties
Our project also strengthens community ties by engaging local businesses and volunteers, creating a collaborative effort that benefits everyone involved.
Inspiring Future Projects
The Front Porch Project sets the stage for future initiatives, demonstrating the positive impact of community support and encouraging more projects that enhance family life.
Get Involved
Support the Front Porch Project
- Volunteer: Join our team and help with outreach efforts.
- Partner With Us: If you're a business or organization interested in supporting this project, we’d love to hear from you.
TO Volunteer, Partner, or to contact us about this project for any reason, please send an email to outreach@barefootbabyfoundation.org