Helping Hands

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Helping Hands

A Helping Hands Story: Common Good City Farm

April 18, 2018

It Feels Good to Give Back! Our Michael & Son technicians come across some incredible people with heartbreaking stories. When they find they have nowhere to turn in a time of need, that’s when we come in…to lend a helping hand!

Common Good City Farm is an urban farm that teaches agricultural skills and provides fresh produce to the DC community. Their mission is “to create a vibrant, well informed, and well nourished community through urban farming.” On the farm they grow things such as fruit trees, culinary and medicinal herbs, and over 50 different types of vegetables! However over the past few years, as use has increased and become more sophisticated, their plumbing had deteriorated. Sinks stopped draining, water stopped running where it needed to, and volunteers were often times ankle-deep in mud while washing freshly harvested vegetables.

When Michael & Son Plumbing technician Antonio Diaz came out for a regular service call, he noticed there was quite a bit of work that needed to be done to get the farm back to proper operating conditions. After speaking with Rachel Callahan, Executive Director of Common Good City Farm, and learning that there was no room for the necessary repairs in her budget, Antonio “felt that there was an opportunity to be able to do something for the community that we serve.” That’s when he reached out to the Michael & Son Cares Team to explore the possibility of donating our services as a way of giving back.

After going over the project with Rachel and making sure we had everything in order to restore the farm back to operating conditions, the work began! Over two days Michael & Son technicians replaced water lines, installed new sinks, drains and faucets, as well as ceiling fans and electrical outlets in the farm’s pavilion. The farm could finally “function at a higher level so [they] can focus on producing great food and making connections with community members.”

Watch the video above to see the full project and remember, “If You Can’t, We Can!”

For more information visit CommonGoodCityFarm.com

A Breath of Fresh Air

September 15, 2015

Michael & Son

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Anthony and Michelle Hinton paced the ER as they waited for an update from the doctor on call. Although nights in the hospital were becoming a regular occurrence, the Hinton family dreaded every second; but no one likes having their child in the hospital, especially for breathing difficulties. The main culprit behind their child’s frequent asthma attacks was a faulty HVAC unit and filthy ducts. While it would seem that the problem would be easily remedied with a simple replacement unit and duct cleaning, for some families it’s just not that simple.

Anthony Hinton had proudly served his country for many years in the US Military. Before entering the service, Anthony was an outgoing young man who loved spending time outdoors, family gatherings and live sporting events. However, upon returning from his second tour overseas, something had changed inside him. Anthony began having panic attacks when in wide open spaces or enclosed areas. As time went on, his conditioned worsened and soon he was not able to work. Around the same time, his wife Michelle was diagnosed with severe arthritis and fibromyalgia. With two serious conditions attacking her joints and muscles, Michelle began losing her ability to work full time and before long found herself laid off and unable to work.

As the families health problems mounted, so did their bills. Soon, they were only able to meet their most basic obligations and things like home repairs went on the back burner. As their son began to experience more frequent and prolonged asthma attacks, the family took him to see a specialist where they learned poor indoor air quality was triggering the episodes. With that news, the family knew they could not wait any longer and reached out to the Michael & Son Cares Program.

Want to find out what happened next? Tune into Helping Hands, Saturday at 7:30pm on NBC4 to see the whole story. Also, Like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter and subscribe to our Youtube page to find out about upcoming offers, special events and much more!

Season 4 Finale; Helping Hands

March 30, 2015

Michael & Son

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Over the past 5 years, I’ve had the privilege of working with families in our community as the head of the Michael & Son Cares Program. If you have not already heard of us, we are a local home improvement company that helps disadvantaged families with essential home repairs they cannot afford. From restoring heat to cold homes to surprise visits from celebrities; the Michael & Son Cares Program has brought smiles, tears and hope to dozens of recipients in the D.C., M.D., and V.A area. Not unlike Michael & Son Services, The Cares program has grown by leaps and bounds over the past 5 years. One of our proudest achievements regarding the Cares Program is the creation of the Helping Hands T.V. show, which documents the charitable work of the Cares Program.

The Cares Program, like Michael & Son Services, has modest beginnings. Today you can hardly drive a mile without seeing a signature blue Michael & Son truck. It was not always that way; in fact it all began with one van and a two man team. In 1968, Mousa “Mike” Mansour came to this country with a vision, to build a family business that his children could one day inherit. An electrician from an early age, Mousa’s natural inclination towards the trade was apparent in his work and he landed a Union Electrician job. On weekends and nights Mousa worked side jobs with his 6 year old son, Basim, tagging along as his pint sized apprentice. It was during those impressionable years of watching his father work that Basim Mansour learned the meaning of hard work, dedication and punctuality. He also learned the importance of giving back to the community that kept him in business. Mousa was not a wealthy man but a generous man nonetheless. He would never leave a family without power on a cold night because they couldn’t afford cost. To him, the smiles on the faces of those families he helped was worth far more than any amount of money. These instances that were witnessed by Basim left an indelible impression on him that would influence the way he would one day run his own business.

On June 1st 1990 Mousa “Mike” Mansour suffered a fatal heart attack, leaving his family and community devastated. At the young age of 19, Basim picked up where his father left off and began his own business, Michael & Son Services. Today the company has over 200 employees, offers comprehensive home services and spans four states and our nations capitol. As the business has grown, so has the number of Cares Program recipients. The CaresProgram reaches thousands of people each week through the local TV program “Helping Hands”, however, we hope to inspire more businesses and individuals to give back to their communities in any way they can. If you or someone you know is in need of assistance, please visit michaelandsonhelpinghands.com for more information.

Michael & Son Cares Program

Early Retirement, Gone Wrong

March 10, 2015

Michael & Son

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On a rainy night in Madonna Maryland, Delano Draine was making his way home to his wife. Delano was full of optimism, he was six months into his retirement, and ready for some long overdue relaxation.

A hard working man from a young age, Delano spent years in the military, eventually settling into a job as a corrections officer. The hours were long, the work was dangerous and the stress was tolling; Delano was glad to be done with it. As Delano weaved down the wet and winding road, he had no idea is life was about to change forever. Out of nowhere, a deer appeared in the middle of the road, Delano swerved to avoid it, but it was too late – everything went black.

When Delano opened his eyes, he was upside down strapped inside his car. “I felt a tremendous amount of pain, but was still able to fish my phone out of my pocket”. His first call was to 911, with the second being the hardest he’s ever had to make. Forty minutes away from where Delano lay suspended in his car, Shelley, his wife, was preparing a late dinner for two. Around 9:15 Shelley received a phone call that left her pale and trembling. The voice on the other end was her husband, he was badly hurt and being rushed to the hospital. Shelley grabbed her bag and raced out her door; she knew it was serious, but she had no idea Delano would never walk again.

Delano had nearly severed his spine and there was no hope for recovery, he would require a lifetime of around the clock care. Because the VA and other government agencies could not or would not provide him with the care he needed, Shelley was forced into early retirement and began the painful vocation of caring for a suffering loved one. Because of the ever mounting medical bills, the Draine’s were unable to afford home repairs that were essential to Delano’s well being. One of those repairs was to the homes furnace, and as the winter grew colder, it became critical that the family had a reliable heating system. That’s where The Michael & Son Cares Program stepped in. You can see the whole story this weekend, check the list below for show times in your area.

Washington DC WRC NBC4

3/14 10:00 – 10:30 AM

Norfolk: WVEC

3/14 9:00 AM

Richmond WTVR

3/15 11:30 PM

Baltimore WMAR

3/14 6:30 PM

Charlottesville WVIR

3/14 10:00 – 10:30 AM

Michael & Son Cares Program

Rescued from the harsh winter!

February 17, 2015

Michael & Son

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Betty Parker sits on her front porch as four puppies vie for her attention at her feet. “There is a lot of suffering behind close doors” she says, gazing off into the horizon, “you can only suffer for so long before its time to ask for help.”

As a strong Boston-bred native living in Norfolk, Betty Parker takes great pride in her self reliance. “My father raised me to be independent; I can do anything a man can do” said Betty, “I can even make repairs around the house, to an extent.” That extent was reached when her water heater began to fail and her furnace died. At 67 years of age, Betty suffers from Parkinson’s disease; its slow, methodical march through her nervous system made even the simplest daily task a monumental undertaking. One of those tasks became boiling water multiple times a day for bathing, washing, and cooking.

Betty’s hands trembled under the oppressive weight of the large, cast iron cooking pot she carried over to the sink. She began to demonstrate the agonizing, painful ritual of filling the pot with water and lugging it down the hall and to the tub. As the temperatures began to plummet, Betty was faced with a new tribulation, the prospect of a heatless winter. Wringing her hands beside a small space heater, Betty sighed then smiled. “I’m not gonna complain, there are people out there a lot worse off than I am”.

Many people dismiss the idea of a guardian angel, but in todays cold and detached world, some just earn the title. Meet Sue, a life long native of Norfolk and friend of Betty. Sue has spent her life in service to those in need. Whether it was on an organizational level or personal, you’re sure to find Sue at the helm. When Sue realized that Betty was living without essential services in her home, she immediately sprung into action and immediately starting hitting walls. “Everyone has an excuse about why they can’t help but no one offers solutions.” Sue called just about every state agency and private charity in search of help for Betty, and when those attempts were fruitless she began calling local businesses. After calling nearly every home improvement company in her area, Sue was ready to throw her hands up in defeat. At that very moment something fateful occurred; Sue looked out of her window, and noticed a Michael & Son Services truck pulling into her neighbor’s driveway. She figured it was worth one last shot, and called the number on the truck. “I called on a Saturday and expected to just get a voicemail” said Sue, “but what happened next left me speechless,” she continued.

Sue contacted Michael & Son on a Saturday morning, and by the afternoon had secured heat and hot water for Betty’s home. “I’ve been dealing with not for profits and government agencies for decades now, and I’ve never seen a group work so fast” said Sue. “I knew right away that they genuinely cared about not only Betty, but the entire community around them” she continued.

Today, Betty Parker and her four dogs have a warm house with hot water, today there is one person suffering behind a closed door. The Michael & Son Cares Program is on a mission to not only help those in need, but to inspire others to do the same. We call upon every individual, business and organization with the means to make a difference to do just that.

If you would like to join us in our mission to make a difference, click here to find out how you can help. Also, if you or someone you know is in need of essential home repairs, visit us at michaelandson.com to learn how you can apply for the Michael & Son Cares Program. You can watch the Michael & Son Cares Program in action on the TV series “Helping Hands” every weekend, check below for local listings and air times.

Washington DC WRC NBC4

February 21st 9:30 AM

Norfolk: WVEC

February 21st 9:00 AM

Richmond WTVR

February 22nd 11:30 PM

Baltimore WMAR

February 21st 6:30 PM

Charlottesville WVIR

February 21st 9:30 AM

Michael & Son Cares Program

Michael and Son comes to rescue for single mom!

February 5, 2015

Michael & Son

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If you drive from the suburbs of D.C. and down through Northern Virginia, you’d hardly see any signs of the financial crisis that swept through the country. From the Mc Mansions of Fairfax and Arlington to the sprawling estates of Clifton; Northern Virginia has some of the wealthiest communities in the country. While there are many within those communities who are struggling, you could never tell from a glance. There is one place, however, that stands out among the upper class communities; Triangle. Over the last several years, Triangle, Virginia has become a virtual ghost town. Boarded up businesses and foreclosed homes fill the landscape of an area that was once a thriving part of Northern Virginia.

Just off the freeway in a dilapidated home lives a single mother named Mary and her son, Elias. Mary had to give up working to care for Elias who suffers from Spina bifida. Requiring, 24 hour care, Elias is confined to a wheel chair and unable to speak. That leaves his mother responsible for literally every single daily activity; from taking showers to brushing his teeth. Because of her inability to work, Mary could not afford the much needed repairs to her home. The list of repairs was a long one; a new roof, HVAC system and the most daunting of them all, repairs to the foundation. She had reached out to many different organizations for help but the scope and size of the job was always more than they could handle.

One Saturday morning, Mary had a rare opportunity to relax and watch TV. She caught an episode of Helping Hands and decided to send a letter requesting assistance. “When I saw the Helping Hands, I was amazed by the things Michael & Son was doing in the community” said Mary. “I just had this feeling that this was the answer” continued Mary. She was right, just days after her letter was sent the repairs on her home were underway. With the help of other local businesses, the family received all the repairs to their home at no cost.

If you or someone you know is currently facing a hardship and is unable to afford home repairs, please contact the Michael & Son Cares Team. Michael & Son Services established their “Cares” charitable campaign in 2010 providing essential home services to local families in need. To date, the program has assisted over 20 families in the area. They are also proud sponsors and supporters of Dreams for kids, Saltwater Soldiers and Susan G. Komen. Michael & Son Services has been serving the greater DC metropolitan area for over 30 years with electrical, plumbing, heating, A/C, construction and handyman services. Make sure you tune in this weekend to see this incredible story for yourself, showtimes listed below.

Our motto has always been, “If you can’t, we can!” Visit us today, at www.michaelandson.com.

Washington DC WRC NBC4

2/7 9:30 – 10:00 AM

2/21 9:30 – 10:00 AM

2/28 9:30 – 10:00 AM

3/14 10:00 – 10:30 AM

3/21 10:00 – 10:30 AM

Norfolk: WVEC

2/7 9:00 AM

2/21 9:00 AM

2/28 9:00 AM

3/14 9:00 AM

3/21 9:00 AM

Richmond WTVR

2/8 11:30 PM

2/22 11:30 PM

2/29 11:30 PM

3/15 11:30 PM

3/22 11:30 PM

Baltimore WMAR

2/7 6:30 PM

2/21 6:30 PM

2/28 6:30 PM

3/14 6:30 PM

3/21 6:30 PM

Charlottesville WVIR

2/7 9:30 – 10:00 AM

2/21 9:30 – 10:00 AM

2/28 9:30 – 10:00 AM

3/14 10:00 – 10:30 AM

3/21 10:00 – 10:30 AM

Charlie Crohare; Bean Bag Extraordinaire

January 26, 2015

Michael & Son

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Charlie Crohare; Bean Bag Extraordinaire

In Helping Hands Season 4, Episode 4 our story features April Crohare, a strong mother of two, who balances volunteering work at her son’s school, being a member of the PTA, and helps other local families with disabilities navigate through agencies, to obtain the correct medical products. She uses her experience to uplift and assist other people, and that we find to be, truly incredible!

The star of this episode however, is her eldest son Charlie, an incredibly brave six year old, who has a disorder extremely similar to that of Miller Dieker syndrome. He has the brain development of a two-month year old baby, and with that, suffers from daily seizures (some lasting up to forty-five minutes at a time.) On top of this, he also suffers from hypothermia, is color blind, and is confined to a wheel chair. Charlie has outlived his diagnosis by many years, and is a ray of hope who inspires us all! Charlie has a younger brother, Mathew, to

The Crohare family had an extension built on to the home, and it’s where Charlie spends most of his waking hours. The room has a wood burning stove that not only irritates Charlie’s respiratory system, but eventually caused a fire, – luckily no one was hurt. When the owner of Michael and Son, Basim Mansour, heard of Charlie’s condition, he knew we had to help. The HVAC department installed a mini split in the room, allowing Charlie to breathe much easier!

We are so thankful to the people who donated their goods to Charlie, and helped to make this episode a true example of Helping Hands. Ahh Bean Bags – who donated a bean bag chair (below is an image of Charlie enjoying his chair), and to Go Bananas who generously donated a music board.

April Crohare found out about the Michael and Son Cares Project after watching an episode of “Helping Hands.” She contacted our Project Manager, Shadi Tahrawi for help, and he was quick to get her information in front of our owner.

If you or anyone you know needs home repairs done by the way of: plumbing, electrical, heating, air conditioning – please contact Shadi at: shadi.tahrawi@michaelandson.com.

Tune in Saturday January 31st at 9am on NBC 4 to see how Michael & Son came to the aid of a family in need.

Click here to watch this episode!

Washington DC WRC NBC4

1/31 9:00 – 9:30 AM

2/7 9:30 – 10:00 AM

2/21 9:30 – 10:00 AM

2/28 9:30 – 10:00 AM

3/14 10:00 – 10:30 AM

3/21 10:00 – 10:30 AM

Norfolk: WVEC

1/31 9:00 AM

2/7 9:00 AM

2/21 9:00 AM

2/28 9:00 AM

3/14 9:00 AM

3/21 9:00 AM

Richmond WTVR

2/1 11:30 PM

2/8 11:30 PM

2/22 11:30 PM

2/29 11:30 PM

3/15 11:30 PM

3/22 11:30 PM

Baltimore WMAR

1/31 6:30 PM

2/7 6:30 PM

2/21 6:30 PM

2/28 6:30 PM

3/14 6:30 PM

3/21 6:30 PM

Charlottesville WVIR

1/31 9:00 – 9:30 AM

2/7 9:30 – 10:00 AM

2/21 9:30 – 10:00 AM

2/28 9:30 – 10:00 AM

3/14 10:00 – 10:30 AM

3/21 10:00 – 10:30 AM

Family trip to the Baltimore Aquarium!

January 13, 2015

Michael & Son

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Family trip to the Baltimore Aquarium!

In Helping Hands Season 4, Episode 2 we showcase Monet and Greg Caldwell, a hardworking couple who recently had a young daughter named Skyler, the younger sister of adorable Noah Caldwell. Skyler was diagnosed with a thyroid issue at 2 weeks, and things have been really tough for the family to make everything work with their crippling medical bills, as doctors predict Skyler will need surgery at just 15 weeks old.

After Skyler’s diagnosis, doctors warned she was highly susceptible to infections because of thyroid complications, and further infections could lead to closing of her breathing passageways and possibly, subsequent death.

Over the summer, the family’s HVAC went out, and Money Caldwell stayed strong without A/C throughout her pregnancy!

Our owner Basim Mansour heard of this story, and knew we had to intervene. Michael & Son techs came in and saved the day with installing a brand new HVAC system! Afterwards, Michael and Son sent the family on a trip to the Baltimore Aquarium, complete with a dinner at the amazing Chart House restaurant in Annapolis, Maryland.

If you would like to speak with Basim Mansour regarding the Michael & Son Cares Program, please contact Shadi Tahrawi at (571) 237-8209 or shadi.tahrawi@michaelandson.com. Media outlets are free to use the text, videos and images in any TV, print or radio media.

Trip to the aquarium!

Washington Capitals Mike Green, Surprises Fan!

January 9, 2015

Michael & Son

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Bobby Hicks

When Bobby Hick’s returned from the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, he didn’t expect to face another battle. A devastating diagnosis of Leukemia left Bobby and his family wondering what the future would hold, or if he would have a future at all. Too add to the Hick’s family’s woes, their already problematic HVAC system and water heater gave out just as the winter season begun. With no where left to turn, the family reached out to the Michael & Son Cares Program.

“When the Hicks story was brought to my attention, I knew we had to help” said Basim Mansour, Proud Son & Owner of Michael & Son Services. “Here’s a guy who gave so much for his country and asked so little in return; I not only wanted to help them with their home repairs, I wanted to do something really special for Bobby.

The Michael & Son Cares Program and The Verizon center had worked in conjunction to plan a special surprise day at a Washington Capitals game for Bobby and his family. When an extended stay at the hospital for intensive treatment foiled those plans, The Cares Program and Verizon Center decided to bring the Washington Capitals to Bobby.

When Bobby Hick’s woke up Sunday morning he didn’t think he would be meeting his idol and star defenseman for the Washington Capitals, Mike Green. Taking time from his busy schedule, Mike Green surprised Bobby at Fairfax Hospital with a signed jersey and skates. It was a moment Bobby and his family won’t soon forget.

Click here for a clip of this visit!

New Season of Helping Hands!

January 8, 2015

Michael & Son

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Our latest episode featuring Mike Green of the Washington Capitals, airs this weekend!

Make sure to tune in! Showtimes below:

Washington DC WRC NBC4

1/10 9:30 – 10:00 AM

1/17 9:30 – 10:00 AM

1/31 9:00 – 9:30 AM

2/7 9:30 – 10:00 AM

2/21 9:30 – 10:00 AM

2/28 9:30 – 10:00 AM

3/14 10:00 – 10:30 AM

3/21 10:00 – 10:30 AM

Norfolk: WVEC

1/10 9:00 AM

1/17 9:00 AM

1/31 9:00 AM

2/7 9:00 AM

2/21 9:00 AM

2/28 9:00 AM

3/14 9:00 AM

3/21 9:00 AM

Richmond WTVR

1/11 11:30 PM

1/18 11:30 PM

2/1 11:30 PM

2/8 11:30 PM

2/22 11:30 PM

2/29 11:30 PM

3/15 11:30 PM

3/22 11:30 PM

Baltimore WMAR

1/10 6:30 PM

1/17 6:30 PM

1/31 6:30 PM

2/7 6:30 PM

2/21 6:30 PM

2/28 6:30 PM

3/14 6:30 PM

3/21 6:30 PM

Charlottesville WVIR

1/10 9:30 – 10:00 AM

1/17 9:30 – 10:00 AM

1/31 9:00 – 9:30 AM

2/7 9:30 – 10:00 AM

2/21 9:30 – 10:00 AM

2/28 9:30 – 10:00 AM

3/14 10:00 – 10:30 AM

3/21 10:00 – 10:30 AM

Thank you so much to Monumental Sports, the Verizon Center, the Washington Capitals, and to Mike Green!

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It Feels Good to Give Back! Our Michael & Son technicians come across some incredible people with heartbreaking stories. When they find they have nowhere to turn in a time of need, that’s when we come in…to lend a helping hand!