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.
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.
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
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!
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.
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.
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.
The Moore Family
The Moore Family’s two 3 year old twins sons suffer from Miller Dykes syndrome; a brain disease that causes fatal seizures. Despite the family and doctors best efforts, Nicolas and Byron will most likely only life a few more short years. The family is in desperate need of an HVAC system for their home and with the heat wave hitting the area, that need is even greater.
If you would like to discuss the Cares Program or Helping Hands with the Cares Team or their recipients, please contact Shadi Tahrawi at (571) 237-8209 or shadi.tahrawi@michaelandson.com.
Make sure to tune in, showtimes below:
Washington DC NBC 4
Saturday, November 29th – 10am
Charlottesville NBC 29
Sunday, November 30th – 10am
Richmond NBC 12
Sunday, November 30th – 12pm
Norfolk ABC 13
Sunday, November 30th – 9:30am
Brandon Donaghy
Brandon Donaghy, a 32 year old man from Reva Virginia, has never had it easy. At the age of 9, Brandon lost his mother to a drunk driver and was forced to endure the harsh realities of life without her loving guidance. In a devastating twist of fate, at the age of 16 Brandon was involved in a near fatal car accident which left him in a coma for weeks. As a result of the coma, Brandon was left with permanent and severe brain damage that affects his memory to this day.
Because of his injuries, Brandon is unable to work and relies on a small, monthly stipend of Government disability payments to support himself and his 4 children. With the monthly payments being hardly enough to pay for basic necessitates, Brandon was unable to make essential repairs to his home; the most pressing issue being a broken furnace. As the prospect of a harsh winter loomed over head, Brandon decided to take a leap of faith and called the Michael & Son Cares Program.
“After hearing the Donaghy story from my Cares Project Manager, I knew we had to help” said Basim Mansour, Proud Son & Owner of Michael & Son Services. It’s long been one of our goals to extend our program to all areas in Virginia; the Donaghy family great is a great place to start!
You can see the whole story on the season premiere of “Helping Hands” Sunday, November 16th at 12:30 pm. Helping Hands documents the work of the Michael & Son Cares Program and the families they assist. If you would like to discuss the Cares Program or Helping Hands with the Cares Team or their recipients, please contact Shadi Tahrawi at (571) 237-8209 or shadi.tahrawi@michaelandson.com.
Make sure to tune in, showtimes below:
Washington DC NBC 4
Saturday, November 22nd – 10am
Charlottesville NBC 29
Sunday, November 23rd – 10am
Richmond NBC 12
Sunday, November 23rd – 12pm
Norfolk ABC 13
Sunday, November 23rd – 9:30am
Wizards Game!
Not stopping at just the home repairs, the Michael & Son Cares Program worked with their friends at the Verizon Center to give the Donaghy family a special night out at a Wizards game. The family enjoyed court side seats for the Wizards warm-up where they were able to meet players and take pictures. The Donaghy’s went from court side to a luxury, catered suite to watch the rest of the Wizards / Pacers game. It was surely a night they won’t soon forget.
The Ford Family
The Michael & Son Cares Program is back in the community and making a difference in the lives of families in need. Most recently, the Cares program brought light to a home that has been dark for several years now. With a faulty electrical system and seven children in the home, the Ford family lived in constant fear of an electrical fire and losing their homeowners insurance.
Along with rescuing the family from the risk of a home fire and losing their homeowners insurance, Michael & Son has also stepped in to sponsor the Fords Family First Annual Family Reunion. Press is invited attend the reunion and tour of the home where the work was completed and
For years the Ford family lived with a faulty electrical system in their home. Using just one power outlet for all their power needs, the homes tangled mess of extension cords was like the fuse to an electrical fire waiting to be lit. The family not only lived under the fear of a possible fire, they also were at risk of losing their homeowners insurance. With nearly all hope lost, Josline Ford made a fateful call to the Michael & Son Cares Program.
“When my Cares Team told me about the Ford Family and their electrical problems I knew we had to act. Being an electrician myself, I knew the family was facing a dire situation” said Basim Mansour, Proud Son and owner of Michael & Son Service. We stepped in to make sure the family had a safe source of power and be more comfortable in their home” continued Mansour.
If you would like to discuss the Cares Program or Helping Hands with the Cares Team or their recipients, please contact Shadi Tahrawi at (571) 237-8209 or shadi.tahrawi@michaelandson.com.
Make sure to tune in, showtimes below:
Washington DC NBC 4
Sunday, November 16th – 12pm
Charlottesville NBC 29
Sunday, November 16th – 10am
Richmond NBC 12
Sunday, November 16th – 12pm
Norfolk ABC 13
Sunday, November 16th – 9:30am
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. While Michael & Son makes many contributions to charitable organizations, the one on one experience of the Cares Program has proven to be the most rewarding. The smiles on the faces of our Cares Recipientsare far more valuable than any award or citation we could receive.
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 contact us through our Facebook page or just give us a call. You can see the Cares Program in action by watching Helping Hands on NBC4. Also, like us on Facebook, follow us onTwitter and subscribe to our YouTube page and find out about special events, great savings and much more!