Cornerstone Building Brands, Inc., marked the 15th anniversary of the Helping Hand program with the donation of a new Mueller building to the Women’s Crisis Services of LeFlore County in Poteau, Okla.

Each year, the Helping Hand program — which was established by Mueller Supply Company, Inc., a residential metal roofing and steel building company since acquired by Cornerstone Building Brands — supports the missions of nonprofits by awarding a building of up to 4,000 square feet. 

This year’s recipient was the Women’s Crisis Services of LeFlore County, Okla., which offers relief and support for victims suffering physical or emotional abuse from family violence, stalking and sexual assault. 

The organization was selected from among nearly 250 applicants, according to an Oct. 11 news release.

The new, fully outfitted building was manufactured and erected by a crew from Cornerstone Building Brands, including members of the Mueller brand team and other partners, in just three days, the company said.

It provides additional space and facilities for the Women’s Crisis Services of LeFlore County staff. It also significantly expands the center's ability to supply therapy, shelter, crisis intervention and court advocacy services to needy victims. Many service recipients reside in a high-poverty area within Choctaw Nation, the third largest federally recognized tribe in the United States.

“This generous donation of a Mueller shelter is a tremendous help as we work to break the cycle of violence within LeFlore County and our community,” said Bethany Black, executive director of the Women’s Crisis Services of LeFlore County. 

“There are hundreds of women searching for a safe space to escape their current situations, so expanding our impact and capabilities is crucial to giving the best care we can,” she added, speaking on stage after receiving the building’s keys from Matt Ackley, president, Shelter Solutions at Cornerstone Building Brands at an Oct. 10 ceremony.

The Helping Hand charitable program began in 2009 during the economic recession and is now on its 15th build. Previous building recipients include organizations focused on medical services, child and single-mother care, and vocational and experiential learning for children. This year is the first time the new building recipients are located outside Texas, where Mueller was founded.

“At Cornerstone Building Brands, we’re proud to support community-driven work through initiatives like the Mueller brand’s Helping Hand program,” said Ackley, who leads the metal building and roofing division at Cornerstone Building Brands. 

"Similar to our Home for Good project, which helps build affordable housing for families in need across North America, this is a wonderful example of living our company’s purpose of positively contributing to the communities where we live, work and play.”

For more information about Helping Hand, please visit MuellerInc.com.