The ReCONNstruction Center was founded in 2003 by John Powers and his staff. The original founders of The ReCONNstruction Center created this nonprofit organization in order to reduce the waste of natural resources by the re-use of building materials. Selling the materials at very affordable prices allowed The ReCONNstruction Center to be a community resource and help owners and landlords maintain affordable housing.
The ReCONNstruction Center operated for four and a half years supported by several grants and the proceeds from the sale of materials. The ReCONNstruction Center was successful at reducing landfill waste, we met our mission, but we were not self supporting.
Times are tough and The ReCONNstruction Center is determined to do more. We are taking it upon ourselves to be self sustaining and not be dependent upon foundation grants. We are modeling ourselves after other Re-Use type stores in the country which generate “profits” which are used to support other nonprofit organizations like Habitat for Humanity. We make it possible for more people to support nonprofit organizations by donating unwanted building materials. The ReCONNstruction Center, acting as a materials clearinghouse, converts donated and salvaged items into charitable dollars.
As of November 2009, we began operating The ReCONNstruction Center more like a business, but with a generous heart. The Board of Directors have reduced the paid staff, and depend more on volunteers to make pick ups and to manage the store. We have expanded our marketing efforts to increase the source of donated materials and promote the “Green” ethic. We want to make The ReCONNstruction Center as popular as Goodwill and the Salvation Army.
Remember, when you buy something at the ReCONNstruction Center, you are not only getting a bargain, you are contributing to charity. With your continued enthusiastic patronage ensuring our financial success, we are now able to support other nonprofit organizations, including Habitat for Humanity, Susan G. Komen Cancer Foundation and the New Britain Chapter of Rebuilding Together— see our Giving Back page for more details!