WHAT WE DO
Rebuilding Together Thurston County is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (Federal EIN: 77-0613860) that provides free home repairs and handicap modifications for low income homeowners and nonprofit facilities. We serve low income homeowners who are elderly, disabled, families with children, and veterans in need. Rebuilding Together Thurston County was founded in 2003 by the Olympia Remodelers Council and other volunteers and is part of the Rebuilding Together national organization, with over 130 affiliates across the country. Learn more about the national organization >>
OUR MISSION
Repairing homes, revitalizing communities, rebuilding lives
OUR VISION
Safe homes and communities for everyone
MEET OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS
REBEKAH GRAHAM, BOARD PRESIDENT
Thurston County Food Bank
Rebekah is the volunteer program coordinator for Thurston County Food Bank. She believes safe, independent housing for those that can continue to live independently in their own homes helps strengthen communities and fosters positive neighborly relationships through meaningful connections. She lives in an adorable purple house in the beautiful Steamboat Island area with her husband, children, two cats, and a dog.
JENNIFER FERGUSON, BOARD VICE PRESIDENT
Ferguson Insurance Services
Jennifer joined the board in November 2022 and is very excited about giving back to the community that has trusted and supported her for years. Jennifer owns Ferguson Insurance Services, a senior-focused independent insurance agency located in Yelm. In addition to volunteering with RTTC, she is a member of the Tenino and Grand Mound-Rochester Chambers of Commerce and serves on the board of the Yelm Chamber of Commerce. When not working and volunteering, Jennifer is a master weed-puller and so-so gardener who spends her free time with her husband, family, friends and her two dogs, Abby and Lily.
PETE KMET, BOARD SECRETARY
Retired
Pete Kmet recently retired after 12 years as the mayor of the City of Tumwater. Prior to being elected mayor, Pete served on the Tumwater City Council for 18 years, including 14 years as mayor pro tem. During his 30 years as an elected official, Pete represented Tumwater on numerous committees and task forces providing policy oversight on a wide range of issues including growth management, public works infrastructure, parks and recreation programs, and public safety. He has volunteered for a wide variety of city and nonprofit events and projects. Pete has a Bachelor of Science in civil engineering from Norwich University and a Master of Science in environmental engineering from the University of Wisconsin. In addition to his elected positions, Pete worked as an environmental engineer for the State of Washington Department of Ecology’s contaminated sites cleanup program. Pete and his wife Nancy live on lower Tumwater Hill.
ANDI RHODES SPRINGER, BOARD TREASURER
Olympic Sotheby’s International Realty
Andi joined our board in September 2021. Andi is a real estate agent with Olympic Sotheby’s International Realty, formerly Greene Realty Group. She volunteers at her daughter’s school and with Catholic Community Services. Her enthusiasm for helping others is definitely an asset for Rebuilding Together Thurston County.
SARA DEVILLE, BOARD MEMBER
Strickland for Washington
Bio coming soon
DAVID PALMER, BOARD MEMBER
Cullen Palmer Law Office PLLC
David Palmer is an attorney in Olympia and joined our board in August 2022. David is very active in his church, South Puget Sound Rotary, and other community organizations. David has also been a long time supporter of RTTC. David graduated from the University of Notre Dame (Bachelor of Arts with honors) and the University of Iowa (Juris Doctor with distinction). David is married to his best friend, Sally, and they have two children, Andy and Emily. His interests include history; running; backpacking, hiking and camping; and Notre Dame football.
JASON VATNE, BOARD MEMBER & PAST PRESIDENT
Umpqua Bank
Jason is a lifelong resident of Thurston County. He is the branch manager of Umpqua Bank in West Olympia. He is a recent graduate of Leadership Thurston County. In addition to serving on the board for Rebuilding Together Thurston County, he serves on the board for the Centralia College Foundation. Jason enjoys spending time with his family, fishing, and road trips.
MEET OUR STAFF
CATHY JOHNSON
Executive Director
Cathy has a degree in Business Administration from Seattle University and a certificate in Horticulture from SPSCC. Cathy has volunteered with RTTC since 2012 and is a past board member. Cathy loves to read and travel with her husband and son.
BONNIE JENNINGS
Applications Coordinator
Bonnie joined our team in March 2023 taking on the duties of processing applications and tracking details about our projects. Previously, she served in the U.S. Army for 11 years as a unit supply specialist, worked as a benefit counselor with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, and worked as a claims specialist for the Social Security Administration. Bonnie volunteers with the Thurston County Foodbank.