Paint-It-Forward – It’s Time To Nominate Someone Deserving Today

 There’s nothing exciting about watching paint dry, but watching it transform lives? Well, that’s something I just can’t get enough of.
I began my painting business when I was just 21 years old. Growing up with a struggling single mother, I always knew I wanted a more stable lifestyle for myself and family. So, I made some hand-stenciled wooden signs to advertise my business, used my grandfather’s work phone number so customers could reach me, and hustled for years until I built a successful painting business based on serving others, making people happy, quality workmanship, and over-the-top customer satisfaction.
Before I ever started my business, I had dreams of one day owning a company that I could use to give back to the community — and even to the world.
That opportunity came knocking several years ago when my company was approached by ABC’s Extreme Home Makeover, and we were able to participate in transforming a needy family’s residence into their dream home.
I enjoyed the experience so much, and after we finished Extreme Home Makeover, I thought, “Why do we have to wait for a television show? We can do this every year!”
And hence, Paint-It-Forward was born.
We asked our community to nominate people who couldn’t afford to paint their home or organization — but could really benefit from a fresh coat of paint. Our team voted on the story that tugged on our heartstrings more than any other. I’ll never forget that first Paint-It-Forward when we helped Silvia, a single, widowed mom with two children. Her husband had recently passed away, and with no money or insurance, Silvia was unable to do anything to improve her home that was in disrepair because her only income was a minimum wage job at Burger King. We went in, and were able to completely transform the look on the inside and outside of her mobile home.
We now do Paint-It-Forward events four, five, even six times a year because we can’t get enough of it. The more we receive, the more we want to give away. Over the past 10 years, we’ve painted a variety of locations — from the home of a family who lost their young son to cancer, to several organizations that provide food to struggling families, to a non-profit preschool that provides education to the children of families that can’t afford daycare due to cancer treatments.
I once hoped I could help my community — and beyond — and I now stand back in amazement as I see that happening. When other contractors heard about our Paint-It-Forward program, they wanted to do the same thing in their communities. The program has taken off across the U.S., and families and organizations all around the country are benefitting from time and donations of painting contractors.
Every week, I get to hear from someone who wants to begin Paint-It-Forward in their area, or who has recently done something with Paint-It-Forward. In fact, we recently received a request for information all the way from Africa! We’re now truly transforming the world — one brush stroke at a time.
The change new paint can give to a family or organization can be summed up in one Paint-It-Forward recipient’s comments: “You gave me the gift of time. I’m now able to spend time with my boys instead of painting. You gave me the gift of pride. I’m able to drive up and see my home in a whole new way. You gave me the gift of love when your team showed up to help me out.”
Do you know of a family or non-profit organization that’s in need of painting service but can’t afford them? If so, please nominate them.
Josh Abramson is the chief solutionist of ALLBRiGHT 1-800-PAINTING, a residential and commercial painting company serving the Greater Los Angeles Area. Visit https://www.allbrightpainting.com and https://www.allbrightpainting.com/paint-it-forward/ for more informaiton.