We have successfully completed our first purchase! In October 2001, the DACKKs Group purchased its first rental unit. Located in Bergenfield, New Jersey, it is a two-bedroom condominium in a garden-style apartment complex. The first floor unit has a sunny east-west exposure, living-dining area and cozy kitchen. We are indebted to the many volunteers who donated their time and effort and, in several cases, their professional skills to make the apartment clean, bright, cheery and in good working condition. Two groups of high school students spent a day each painting the bedrooms. A plumber repaired a leak and replaced a faulty dishwasher. A sheet rocker repaired a bathroom ceiling damaged by a leak. A carpet installer restretched a buckling carpet and a painter helped redecorate the kitchen and living-dining area. In just several weeks time, our preparations were completed.

Shortly afterwards, a single mother who was a formerly battered woman and had been living in transitional housing for over a year moved in with her pre-school age daughter. Both were excited by the prospect of spending Christmas in their new home. They arrived with just their clothing, a dining set and a bed. The DACKKs Group provided a second bed, a table, lamps and other assorted household items. The Moose Lodge of Clifton donated a new set of pots and pans. Other donors furnished dressers and a television. We continue to look for additional items she needs.

Our tenant pays thirty percent of her income towards the monthly rent. A Section 8 Housing subsidy provides the rest. The rent does not cover all our expenses ... the DACKKS Group absorbs the deficit. What is important is that this single mother and her cute-as-a-button daughter have a decent and affordable home. And that's what the DACKKs Group is all about.




March 2002