February 2013

Michael & Son Services continues to give back to the community through its “Michael & Son Cares Program”. In the last few months we have received hundred of applications from people all over VA, MD and DC who are in need of assistance with essential home repairs they can not afford. The popularity of the TV show “Helping Hands”, coupled with the harsh economic climate, has applications pouring in every week. While Michael & Son would like to assist each and every family who reaches out to us, we cannot. Instead we can try to influence and inspire other businesses to do the same. At Michael & Son, we believe it is the responsibility of businesses to help people in the community during their time of need. Much like a politician must serve the constituents in his/her community, a business is obligated to do the same for those that keep their doors open.

While nearly all businesses, small and large, make some sort of contributions to charitable organizations, Michael & Son prefers to be more hands on. Being able to meet the families, see their homes and hear their stories makes for a very rewarding experience. The one on one experience of the Cares Program allows us to meet the individual needs of those we assist, something you can’t do by simply handing over a check.

The Cares Program is an extension of the Michael & Son philosophy. Community service is simply part of our culture as a company. While in the early days of Michael & Son there was no Program designated for community service, the company was always willing to lend a Helping Hand. The beginning of the Cares Program may have dated back to the early 1990’s when a young Basim Mansour (Proud Son and Owner of Michael & Son) was on a call to a home with no power. When Basim arrived he found a small, cramped one level home inhabited by young children and the elderly. It was the dead of winter and the family sat huddled around a rickety space heater. One look at the panel box and Basim knew he was dealing with a very involved and costly job. He also knew that the cost would be well beyond the families means. After speaking with the homeowner, Basim’s instincts proved to be accurate. The family would not be able to afford the work, let alone the small, nominal dispatch fee.

Basim knew he could not leave the family without power and heat but he also knew Michael & Son (at the time) was in no position to be working pro bono. Basim decided to seek advice from the one man he could always turn to for advice, his late father, Mike. After explaining the situation to his father, he received the advice that he had been waiting to hear. “There is no question about it, make sure the family has heat and power before you leave tonight. It’s our obligation to give back to the community, where would we be without them?” said Basim’s father. Following the phone call, Basim would proceed to work through the night repairing the family’s electrical problem. “When I flipped the switch and the heat kicked on, the faces of the children lit up with joy and their mother began to cry” said Mansour. “That moment was one of the most uplifting experiences of my life; ever since then I’ve been chasing that feeling”.

At Michael & Son, service goes beyond turning a wrench or snaking a drain. It means being woven into the fabric of the community and making a difference every chance we get. We hope that through the work we do, others will be inspired to reach out to those in need. If you or someone you know is in need of help, please visit our website for more information.