Anyone who has tried to fix up their home knows that once one home improvement project is done, there is always another just waiting to start. As Roland Ochs can tell you, it only gets tougher when the house you're taking care of is a century old and home to dozens of kids. "About the time you get it done you get another phone call," he said laughing.
For the past 35 years he has volunteered to help remodel and update Mount Vincent Home for Children. Over the years he's coordinated a lot of maintenance work, putting in new flooring, stair treads and even fixing the roof. In fact, in 2006 Roland renovated the second floor of the building, creating the Aspen House. The home-like environment provides the often abused or neglected Mount Saint Vincent's kids with an opportunity to experience family life, including cooking and chores.
After decades in the construction contracting business, Roland's know how and connections are invaluable for non profit organizations like Mount Saint Vincent. "I can call on him when I don't know things. He drops what he's doing to come and help," said Pete Zarlengo.
While there's plenty of work at the Children's Home, Roland finds time to volunteer his services at several other organizations including the Bridge Community, a residence for women with developmental disabilities and the Denver Public Schools, where he built new computer labs for Manual High School and Hallett Elementary.
Of course, Roland can't do these projects alone. In many cases he pulls in friends, family and business associates. "I encourage people to help. Sometimes we'll get a subcontractor to come over and help. They say well, we charge 60 dollars an hour. Then they get over here and they see what's going on and we've had some of the individual electricians say 'I'm not turning in any time, this is a worth while cause."
Roland's family says no one is exempt. All eight of his children have taken part in community service. "He's always impressed upon your family to give back, not only to your family, but other people," explains Roland's son Bob Ochs. "We've all been at Samaritan House, carving turkeys for Thanksgiving… for people who can't afford to have a dinner. We've all been involved here at Mount Saint Vincent Home with all kinds of projects. We've built fences at the Bridge Community on weekends."
"It feels great," Roland adds. "We're doing a good community service."
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Regis University in saluting Roland Ochs, the winner of the March 2008 9Who Care Award.
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