Two Neighbors, a Lifetime of Friendship, and a Rebuilt Future for Newtown

Joyce Lyons and Mary Williams Moore

Joyce Lyons and Mary Williams Moore have been more than just neighbors in the Newtown community of Sarasota. They've been confidantes, support systems, and the embodiment of the enduring power of community.

Lyons, 73, has considered her home a sanctuary for more than 55 years. With a lifetime of memories etched within its walls, the house, however, was beginning to show its age. Water damage threatened the flooring, creating trip hazards, and the roof, weathered by time, leaked ominously. As a retiree living on Social Security Income, major repairs felt like an insurmountable obstacle.

Next door, Mary, a cancer survivor navigating the complexities of her health with the support of a cardiologist, faces similar challenges. Her home, a source of comfort since the seventies, now requires critical attention. The roof needed urgent replacement, areas in the ceiling began to show the scars of past leaks. Her air conditioning system, a lifeline in the Florida heat, desperately needs cleaning and potential replacement. Living alone, Mary's safety within her own home was a growing concern.

These two women, bound by the threads of shared history and unwavering faith, found themselves facing an everyday challenge: aging homes are beginning to threaten their comfort, safety, and independence.

Recognizing the urgent need, Rebuilding Together Tampa Bay stepped in. Through the generous support of the Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation, Community Foundation of Sarasota County, and Gulf Coast Community Foundation crucial funding is secured for disaster relief and recovery efforts for the Newtown Community.

The assistance will ensure much-needed repairs such as a new roof, improved flooring and other vital safety upgrades. This type of work reaffirms the invaluable contributions of community pillars coming together, supporting those who are in need.

Joyce and Mary are very grateful for their new roofs, a reality made possible by the invaluable support of Rebuilding Together Tampa Bay and the giving contributions of the Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation, Community Foundation of Sarasota County, and Gulf Coast Community Foundation.

As Joyce and Mary anticipate the ongoing positive changes resulting from this assistance, one certainty remains: their long standing friendship is a testament to the strength of the Newtown community, and will continue to thrive within homes that are now safe.