Rhode Island – A Family’s Extremely Good Luck

Warwick, RI

A nightmare turned into a dream-come-true for the family of Ken Silva, a refuse collection truck driver for the city of Warwick and a member of Local 1651 (Council 94). He and his wife, Doreen, recently learned that their special-needs children—two biological, three adopted and two foster infants—had dangerous levels of lead in their systems.

Facing the prospect of losing their foster children to the state unless the home became lead-free — an unaffordable option — they submitted their names to the ABC-TV show, “Extreme Makeover — Home Edition.” Their house was selected for a total overhaul. In just seven days this February, it was torn down and rebuilt (lead-free and nearly three times larger) courtesy of the show's producers and more than 100 companies that donated materials and labor.

Members of Local 1651 also helped with cleaning and maintenance, security, food services and driving buses carrying spectators. The Silvas saw their new house upon returning from their very first vacation (Disney World), also courtesy of “Extreme Makeover.”

“Thank you is not enough. They didn't have to do this and yet they did it for our family,” Ken told the Warwick Beacon. Added Doreen, “We like to give back to the community. It makes it so much easier. They showed us what it is like to be helped.”

One Big, Happy Family — The Silva family (center) is joined by members of Local 1651, many of whom volunteered to work on the makeover project. Photo Credit: Darcie Di Sala