By Ilene Hackett—
MUNCIE, IN—Roto-Rooter Plumbing, Drains, and Water Damage Cleanup of Muncie has undertaken an extraordinary initiative to provide a deserving Ukrainian couple with a safe and welcoming home after being displaced by the recent war. The couple, who used their life savings to purchase a 2 bedroom, 1 bathroom home in the Whitely neighborhood of Muncie, Indiana, faced numerous challenges in making their new life in the United States.
The transformative journey began when Roto-Rooter’s manager, Jon Salmon, was approached by a local ministry to assist with essential plumbing repairs necessary for the couple’s residence to be habitable. However, upon witnessing the dire condition of the home and learning the heart-wrenching story of the Ukrainian couple who rode bicycles three miles daily to their jobs as dishwashers at Olive Garden, Roto-Rooter recognized the need for a more comprehensive approach.
Roto-Rooter of Muncie, with its decades of expertise, replaced all water and sewer systems, installed a new water heater, and upgraded all plumbing fixtures and sinks. However, as one thing led to another, they could not just half-fix the home. Over the course of several months, Jon Salmon hired a local contractor and electrician to go beyond the plumbing repairs to also replace the roof and completely renovate the home. The result is a safe, comfortable, and welcoming environment for the couple to embark on the next chapter of their lives in their new country.
Inside the home prior to renovation. Photo provided
“We were deeply moved by the resilience and determination of this Ukrainian couple who overcame adversity to create a new life for themselves in the United States. It was clear that the home needed more than just plumbing repairs, and we were committed to making a meaningful impact on their lives,” said Jon Salmon, Manager of Roto-Rooter of Muncie.
Mark Stepowoy, owner of the local Roto-Rooter franchise, echoed this sentiment, stating, “Our commitment to this project goes beyond just providing plumbing services. It aligns with our mission statement to restore the health, comfort, and peace of mind of our community members. It’s about giving back to the community and helping those in need.”
Adding a deeply personal dimension to the franchise’s connection with Ukraine, Mark Stepowoy, the owner of Roto-Rooter of Muncie, maintains a poignant tie to the country with a cousin residing near Kiev who communicates sporadically through email. Reflecting on his family’s history, Mark shared, “My grandfather immigrated from Ukraine over 120 years ago to escape being conscripted into the Russian Army. He embarked on a journey seeking freedom and a better life. We don’t know who helped him along the way, but I’m sure people did. Now, I feel a multi-generational favor to return. Helping this Ukrainian couple displaced by war hits close to home, and it’s our way of extending gratitude for the support my family received generations ago.”
Beyond the immediate impact on the lives of the Ukrainian couple, Roto-Rooter of Muncie’s extensive renovation project holds the potential to be a catalyst for positive change in the Whitely neighborhood. The investment of nearly $87,000 in repairs, supplemented by an additional $32,000 in donations, represents possibly the highest financial commitment to revitalization in the area to date. By transforming a previously distressed property into a safe and welcoming home, Roto-Rooter aims to contribute to a broader trend of neighborhood revitalization. The hope is that this substantial investment will not only elevate the quality of life for the Ukrainian couple but also serve as a beacon, inspiring others to reinvest in the Whitely neighborhood.
About Root-Rooter of Muncie
Established in 1935, Roto-Rooter of Muncie has been a locally trusted family-owned franchise serving the communities of Muncie, Anderson, New Castle, and Richmond for nearly nine decades. As a fixture in the region and a history of providing top-notch plumbing, drains, and water damage cleanup services, the franchise has consistently prioritized the needs of its neighbors. This recent initiative to transform the lives of a displaced Ukrainian couple further underscores Roto-Rooter’s dedication to making a positive impact on the lives of those it serves in the community.
