Mike Arnett and Jim Feild honored for children’s charity work

What started as a simple remodeling project at an area shelter for abused teens has grown into a $900,000, full-scale renovation, and two area home builders were honored recently for their work.The Home Builders Foundation- HomeAid Program, Mike Arnett of Lifestyle Custom Homes and Jim Feild of Progressive Builders Northwest were presented the John P. Zuercher Champions for Children award by Janus Youth Programs for their work on the Cordero House at an annual supporters dinner.The Champions for Children award honors individuals or corporations who have made significant contributions to improving the lives of children, youth and families.The pair of home-building industry leaders are combining their efforts to complete a critical remodel of Cordero House. Regarded as one of the most successful community based treatment programs in the state, Cordero House serves as a safe haven for its teenage clients, where they live, receive clinical services and even attend school for an average of two years.However, the facility presently has a year-long waiting list and turns away an average five potential new clients each week for lack of bed space.The Home Builders Foundation selected Cordero House as one of two projects it is working on this year through its nationally affiliated HomeAid program.“We initially reviewed this project as a place to add some bed space and do some updates, make Cordero House feel more like a home,” said Mike Arnett, project co-captain and HBA’s 2008 President. “But when we saw the real need here, and the possibilities for this facility, it turned into something much more.”Co-Captain Jim Feild said the slow housing economy around the nation has added some challenge to the project but that he’s been surprised by how generous many companies have been with the Cordero House effort.“Cordero House’s mission remains vital to our community, regardless of whether the economy is up or down,” he said. “I’m proud of a long list of home building industry partners who have seen a way to help and really have stepped-up to this effort with us. What we’re doing here will help hundreds of young people find hope and a future, for decades to come.”