We live by our tagline: Change Your Space, Change Your Life®. Sometimes, that means transforming a Pebble Beach cliff house for a high-profile client or updating a seaside vacation home into a modern masterpiece. Other times, we have the opportunity to make a dramatic difference for someone who desperately needs home help — someone like Joseph Escalante and his wonderful mother, Sandy.
Joseph’s Story
In 2005, Joseph was a carefree young man vacationing with a friend in Mexico. They were relaxing on a beach when three cars came racing across the sand and ran over them in a moment of an unimaginable tragedy. Joseph’s friend died instantly, and Joseph was left critically injured, with permanent brain damage affecting his ability to do life’s most basic functions.
Joseph moved back into his mother’s Salinas home, where she could provide the constant care he needed to survive. With the addition of his wheelchair and other medical equipment, it was very difficult for him to move around the house and accomplish simple tasks on his own. Joseph and Sandy needed help.
A New Home, A New Life
When Lewis Builders heard Joseph’s story, we knew we could — and should — help. We got to work designing and crafting an updated, accessible space that would give Joseph a bit more independence and Sandy some relief and peace of mind.
By early May, the main parts of construction were complete. The house was ready for exterior paint and other finishing touches — perfect tasks for the collection of LB employees, friends, family, and local businesses who stepped up to volunteer. Everyone was eager to make a difference and become part of what it truly means to Change Your Space, Change Your Life.
The morning of paint day, Sandy greeted us with warm oatmeal cookies and immense love and gratitude. She wanted a beach house color and feel — something that was happy but also calming. Sherwin Williams graciously donated all the paint and painting supplies needed to paint the home Vast Sky, a beautiful blue.
Victor Jaurez from Division Painting provided great support with sprayers, manpower, and organization, along with our President, Scott Julian, to organize the LB volunteers. After a few hours of hard work, a taco cart rolled in for lunch to give us a quick break while we celebrated our efforts.
At the end of the day, our hearts were full of love & gratitude for the difference we were able to make with so many caring hands. We look forward to completing this project in mid-June, so stay tuned to watch Joseph move into his new digs!
Joseph’s story is an unforgettable one. Watch this video to understand more.
We sincerely & humbly thank the following friends of Lewis Builders, donors, and trade partners who’ve helped us get this far. We could not do it without their incredible support.
Dr. John Faramound
Eric Lamison
Jay & Jenny Davisson
CRP Plastering
Mission Construction
Williams Roofing
American Tile
Kasavan Construction
Division Painting
Edgars Plumbing
Ferguson Plumbing
Shoreline Woodworks
Mag One Media
