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NOKOMIS — The Nokomis Ministerial Alliance’s Bridge The Gap campaign sought to renovate nine homes in its Extreme Makeover: Nokomis Edition project this year. The mission of the project: bringing physical restoration and emotional renewal to families in need.

The project was an ambitious undertaking made possible by funds raised through dinners, a trivia night, and cash donations. The Ministerial Alliance, which oversees the annual campaign, sponsored the events where generosity and community spirit converged for a noble cause.

The Extreme Makeover project was one of many missions sponsored by Bridge The Gap since its establishment in 2009 in response to the growing need for safe, sustainable solutions by increasing awareness in small-town communities, where resources are often limited.

Beyond the two Extreme Makeover projects, Bridge The Gap has been actively involved with addressing issues locally, regionally, and globally. Some examples include providing funds to CrossOver Ministries and Loving Arms Pregnancy Center at the local level and have done the same worldwide to Ecuador, parts of Africa, and Haiti. Bridge The Gap mobilized into action to aid the Taylorville community in the aftermath of the EF3 tornado that struck on December 1, 2018.

While part of the goal of the Extreme Makeover project was to repair walls, roofs, and floors, there’s another component: restoring dignity and providing a foundation for a better future. Each of the nine homes that were fixed up represents a family’s story – stories of struggle, perseverance, and transformation.

The project underscores Bridge The Gap’s commitment to living out its core values of compassion, service, and love.

Undertaking these renovations was no small feat. From initial assessments to the final touches, the project involved meticulous planning, skilled labor, and countless hours of dedication from volunteers.

The homes selected for this year’s campaign were chosen based on urgent need, ensuring those who are most vulnerable receive the assistance they require.

Assessment and planning

Each home that was submitted for consideration as a selection underwent a detailed assessment process to identify the areas in need of repair or reconstruction. This includes structural integrity, plumbing, electrical systems, and insulation, among other key factors.

The selection team also considered the specific needs of the families, such as accessibility features for individuals with disabilities or building on additional space for larger households.

Community involvement

No campaign is ever successful without active community involvement, and the 2025 Extreme Makeover project was proof of that.

Volunteers from all walks of life came together to lend their skills, ranging from painting to landscaping. Local businesses would come together to donate materials, while tradespeople offered their expertise pro bono.

Transformational impact

The impact of these renovations is profound.

Families who once lived in unsafe, deteriorating conditions are given a fresh start. Children have secure places to play and study. Parents experience relief from the stress of inadequate housing. Overall, everyone enjoys the pride of living in a home they can cherish.

For example, one of the homes selected, owned by Judy Spindel, had lost its homeowner’s insurance because of the condition of the back of her house, as well as the condition of the roof on the garage.

Volunteers helped restore the roof, placed new siding to the back of her house, and installed new electrical wiring in parts of her home, allowing Spindel to live safely again.

Far-reaching implications of the Extreme Makeover project and Bridge The Gap

While the immediate goal of the Extreme Makeover project was to renovate nine homes, the project has far-reaching implications that will have impacts far beyond 2025.

Bridge The Gap and its 2025 campaign, Extreme Makeover: Nokomis Edition, serves as a model for how communities can come together. The project also raises awareness about the importance of safe, affordable housing and inspires other organizations to undertake such initiatives.

Overall, the project strengthens the bonds within the community.

This could not be accomplished without the help of these volunteers: Mark Wiseman, Dylan Goldsmith, Brett Goldsmith, Denny Umberger, Charlie O’Malley, Randy West, Roy Marquess, Trever Loafman, Leann Coots, Mike Jonas, Phil Huber, Missy Huber, Michael Smalley, Tylor Johnson, Denny Bauman, Steve Pearse, Isaac Pearse, Jeff Chenoweth, David Cook, and Dennis Plozizka.

With the continued support from the community and the unwavering dedication of volunteers, the possibilities are endless.

Tina Umberger contributed to this report.

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