Celebrating even when the rain comes: Meet Roxane

Ms. Cielsiolka receiving homeowner care kit.

Roxane has lived in her home for many years, cherishing the comfort and independence it provides. When her gas furnace stopped working back in 2020, she reached out to Home Repairs for Good for help. Our team was able to install a new furnace at no cost, keeping her home warm and safe through the winter.

Fast forward to 2025, and Roxane faced another challenge. The Marion County Public Health Department issued a citation due to the condition of her yard. At 69 and living with a disability, she didn’t have the means to address the overgrown plants, clogged gutters, and debris that had accumulated.

At Home Repairs for Good, we never take a “one and done” approach. We remain committed partners, helping older homeowners continue to age in place safely. This time, a team of volunteers stepped in to restore Roxane's yard, giving her peace of mind and helping her home feel like home again.

On the morning of the project, Roxane sat on her porch, greeting everyone with a bright smile. Home Repairs for Good had just given her a homeowner care kit filled with essential cleaning supplies, a fly swatter, and a bucket. She clapped with joy, noting how useful these items would be, especially the bucket.

As volunteers got to work trimming the front yard hedges, Roxane shared how she had tried to manage them herself with a pair of scissors, but struggled because of how it affected her hands. That day, the volunteers weren’t just helping her address a citation — they were supporting her health and wellbeing.

As the project went on, the sunny sky turned gray and rain began to fall. With the gutters now cleared, water poured out freely, drawing celebratory cheers from both the volunteers and Roxane.

The volunteers powered through the pouring rain, and after a few hours, the debris was cleared, the overgrowth was gone, and the gutters were working just as they should. Roxane no longer has to worry about a looming citation and can rest easy, even when the rain comes.

If you believe in our mission to help older adults age in place, donate today to make a difference for more homeowners like Roxane.