Fundraiser for Our House

by Susan DeFord and Ylan Q. Mui
Washington Post - Howard Extra
October, 2002

"Once again, we are blessed by community support." said Jeannette Mendonca, president of the advisory board to Our House, a Howard County residential program for troubled youth.

Our House's growing reputation has made it the beneficiary of a fundraiser next Thursday sponsored by the soon-to-arrive Expo Design Center, a Home Depot company that features decorating and remodeling products and services.

The 91,000 square-foot Expo Design Center opens October 26 at 6100 Dobbin Road in Columbia. As it did with its 51 otherdesign centers across the country, home Depot is hosting a preopening public benefit for a local cause.

Our House, a small intensive residential treatment program founded by Executive Director Richard "Benny" Bienvenue, provides young males offenders with carpentry skills, aplong with schooling, volunteer service and strict supervision. It has received national recognition and is the subject of a People magazine article this month.

The 7 pm benefit will include a silent auction of remodeling products, with proceeds donated to OUr House. In addition, the company will make a $5000 donation, said Karen Powers, a spokseperson for Expo Design Center.

As Our House expands from eight to sixteen resident youths, the program will have no trouble spending money from the benefit, Mendonca said.

Our House is readying to move in two weeks from the grounds of Taylor Manor psychiatric hospital in Ellicott City to a 140-acre farm it purchased in Northern Montgomery County. The renovation of the farm's dilapidated buildings got a boost from Home Builders Care Foundation of Silver Spring, which is helping build the kitchen and offices.