Community Businesses Pull Together To Provide New Flooring To The Upper Room, A Family Resource Center

Online, April 4, 2013 (Newswire.com) - The Upper Room, a Family Resource Center has received brand new flooring in its Briggs Center, all thanks to nora systems, Inc., Merrimac Tile and Stone, and Northeast Flooring Solutions. Removal of the old flooring, preparation of the surface and priming, and the installation of the new flooring (including the materials themselves) were 100% provided by the three businesses.

The Briggs Center is The Upper Room's most spacious room, and acts as the core gathering area where several programs, classes, and meetings are held. It is a large open space, complete with a kitchen, and can be divided into two smaller rooms as needed. Serving as the main passageway to both sides of The Upper Room's building, the area is highly trafficked. As one would expect, the floors had experienced natural wear and tear over the years.

"Our old flooring was installed in the mid 1990's, and had seen better days," commented Kimberly Bavaro, The Upper Room's Executive Director. "Hundreds of people walk through that room in a given week, and we're always rearranging tables and chairs depending on what programs utilize the space. Needless to say, it was not in the best shape."

The project came as a result of a partnership between nora systems Inc., and The Upper Room. Located in Salem, NH, nora systems "adopts" a local non-profit agency every year to lend their time and services to. For 2012-2013, The Upper Room was selected. Starting in August of 2012, the company has already donated several man hours working on initiatives including outside beautification and restoration projects (painting and landscaping), and other behind the scenes tasks such as stuffing backpacks, and assisting with The Upper Room's annual Family Matters Auction.

As a supplier for Merrimac Tile and Stone, nora systems approached Merrimac Tile and Stone, which is located in Derry, and asked if they'd be willing to lend their time and services on the project. Having been a long-time supporter of The Upper Room, specifically the non-profit's annual Family Matters auction, Merrimac Tile and Stone agreed without hesitation.

Described as a "one stop shop for all your flooring needs," Londonderry's Northeast Flooring Solutions also agreed to lend a hand on the project after a simple inquiry from nora systems. Together, the three teams worked together to complete the project from start to finish. And not only were the floors completed, but the walls received a fresh coat of paint as well.

"We were never told what type of flooring we'd receive," stated Brenda Guggisberg, The Upper Room's GED program coordinator, who also serves as the building maintenance coordinator. "Not even information in terms of color, style, or type of surface. All we were told is that it would be a surprise. After the room was blocked off for days while the floors were installed and cured, the excitement for the final reveal kept escalating!"

The flooring chosen is norament grano in a Black Pearl color for the kitchen area, and Drusy color for the main room and back entrance. It is rubber flooring with a granule effect. As an extremely durable product with excellent wear abrasion, nora systems chose this product for The Upper Room because it would be a good fit for the volume of people using The Briggs Center, and the activities that take place upon the floors. Additionally, the hammered surface will also be very forgiving to the appearance of dirt and scuffs.

"The flooring is beautiful," boasted Guggisberg. "It will serve us and our patrons well for years to come, and we're so appreciative of the generosity exhibited by nora systems, Merrimac Tile and Stone, and Northeast Flooring. As a non-profit, our limited resources are mainly allocated to our top priority, which is the immediate need to provide resources and services for the families and individuals who come to us seeking help. To have these businesses step in and help us without expecting anything in return speaks volumes about their commitment to service and community. We're very thankful."

To learn more about the businesses involved in this project, please visit their websites: www.nora.com/us for nora systems, Inc., www.merrimactile.com for Merrimac Tile and Stone, and www.safetyfloors.com for Northeast Flooring Solutions.