shoreupdate.com

By Sandra Zunino

More than four walls and a roof, home is sanctuary – a place to feel safe and comfortable. At least, that is local Real Estate Broker Lynn Semenuk’s philosophy.

When Lynn realized many wounded veterans returned to their homes only to find their injuries made living in a standard house a challenge, she decided to do something about it. Adapt-Abodes for Wounded Warriors is a new program launched by Lynn to modify houses to make them more functional for disabled soldiers.

From lowering light switches, kitchen counters and sinks for better wheelchair access to widening doorways, there are many modifications that can make a home more accommodating for injured service members.

Lynn created the program because she wanted to show her appreciation for veterans while simultaneously giving back to the local community. “I can’t imagine how it would be for a wounded veteran, after leaving for years, to not be able to freely move around their home,” she says.

Between slow-moving government programs and budget cuts, Lynn is concerned about the veterans’ welfare. “They really don’t take care of the veterans the way they should considering their contribution and sacrifice to this country,” she says.

Relying on more than two decades of real estate expertise and connections in the area through her firm, Home Selling Assistance Plus, LLC, Lynn began approaching local businesses last March with her vision. “Most people had compassion for the veterans,” says Lynn, “and were eager to get on board.”

As a result, Ace Hardware in Stevensville, Queenstown’s Friel Lumber and Tidal Kitchen & Bath in St. Michaels offered to donate materials. Jim Didonato of Mallard Construction also voiced interest in assisting renovations. Once a project begins, Lynn estimates it can be completed in a couple of months depending on its scope.

The challenge now is finding a veteran recipient. Because of the HIPPA privacy laws, Lynn has not been able to find a local veteran who needs the service. “I’ve contacted Bethesda Naval and Walter Reed hospitals and neither could give out any names,” explains Lynn. “I asked if I could distribute a flyer, but that was not allowed either.”

Soon Lynn will be distributing posters, donated by graphic artist/website developer Cheryl Phillips, in search of a candidate. “There is another warrior’s project where they actually acquire land and build a house for a wounded veteran,” says Lynn referring to national non-profit organization Homes For Our Troops, “but not everyone can take on a project that huge, and not everyone is eligible.”

Applicants from Queen Anne’s, Talbot and Caroline counties will be considered. “We want to find veterans in this area as the contractors and supply houses are local,” she explains.

Lynn credits Landmark Education, a global education enterprise with inspiring her to bring her vision to fruition. Landmark’s courses are designed to instill permanent positive shifts in its participants’ lives. Discovering and implementing a way to benefit the community is the final phase of the program, according to Lynn.

“I wanted to do something more than just write a check,” she says. “The veterans volunteered to leave their homes, leave their country to go and fight for a cause they believe in and many have paid the price.”

Lynn says she has so much respect for that. “It puts your whole life in perspective.”

To suggest an Adapt Abodes candidate, contact Lynn Semenuk at 410-827-5652. Adapt Abodes is also on Facebook.