Where community involvement is more than a suggestion

By Dani Sheehan. 

See WTI’s commitment to community outreach and the work they’ve done with this women’s shelter in Northeast Ohio. 

The roofing industry has a heartwarming history of giving back to the community. Since 2008, Tremco CPG and Weatherproofing Technologies Incorporated (WTI) have been working with WomenSafe, a women’s shelter in Northeast Ohio committed to providing support to survivors of domestic violence. We recently caught up with Lisa Garcia, the Technology Innovation Specialist at WTI, to discuss her involvement with WomenSafe and Tremco’s commitment to helping the communities in which they operate.  

Lisa recounts that it all started with a food donation drive after she had heard a presentation about domestic violence during a Tremco training course. Andrea Gutka, the Executive Director and CEO of WomenSafe, came as a guest speaker to discuss domestic violence and potential ways to help coworkers who may be experiencing violence in their homes. Lisa was so moved by the story Andrea shared that she knew she had to find a way to help. Organizing a food donation drive in her office, she had to borrow her friend’s truck to fit everything to take to the shelter because it was such a success. Tremco is now the main sponsor for WomenSafe’s annual Casino Night fundraiser. 

WomenSafe was founded in 1980 by concerned citizens wanting to provide a haven for women and their children who were living in violent homes. They now primarily work in the three largest counties in Ohio, but they have an incredibly far reach and are doing some amazing things. As Lisa explains, “Anytime I go to the shelter and I go into the art therapy room, you can just see the artwork that these clients – that's what the shelter calls them – the clients create. And you’re just overwhelmed with the emotion because it just drips with emotion and feeling, and you can’t help but be touched.” In addition to art programs, they also do a significant amount of community outreach, court advocacy and help people not only find housing, but with furnishing their homes too.  

Tremco is so committed to giving back that they provide paid volunteer days to their employees. Lisa continues to support the women’s shelter as frequently as possible. “For me personally, I like to help people who come into the shelter with specific needs that the shelter is struggling to accommodate. I have a little network of friends and coworkers who I can always count on to help me provide these special requirements. Being part of the solution has been deeply rewarding.” 

In 2020, Tremco CPG and WTI were second place winners of the National Roofing Contractor Association’s (NRCA) Community Involvement Award for their charitable efforts including financial support and in-kind donations, and in 2022, Tremco was awarded the Helping Hands award from WomenSafe for their significant impact in helping the shelter serve their mission. 

Learn more about how you can get involved with WomenSafe or donate towards their cause, and join Tremco in the season of giving.