It’s a Family Affair! Northside Ambassador and Family ReClaim Vacant Lot

ReClaiming vacant land is tough work. This is a job for the whole family!

A Place for Moms: Welcome Corner is becoming more beautiful by the day. Cynthia Mendoza, a ReClaim Ambassador and resident of Observatory Hill, has overwhelming support for her project (Just check out her feature in Next Pittsburgh from last month). Whether it is grateful neighbors giving kind words as they drive by, volunteers showing up for workdays or donors contributing to her crowdfunding campaign, the Welcome Corner has had the help of many hands. However, there is no greater source of enthusiasm and support for the project other than Cynthia’s family who regularly work side-by-side with her on site.

“It’s really been a family affair,” said Cynthia.

This isn’t an exaggeration either. Cynthia’s family has been involved in every step of the process –her mother helped film her crowdfunding video, while her father has been on the site daily to weed or plant. Meanwhile her son, nephew and brother-in-law all signed up to be the labor force this summer, and her even her stepmother planted flowers.

For Cynthia, the story of familial camaraderie will last generations.

“I will be able to share with my grandchildren the story of our entire family pitching in to create this project.  My passion in life is my family and with help from GTECH, I’ve been able to bring my passion for my family full circle.”

The Mendoza family has been an inspiration of teamwork and love that truly has made this vacant lot project special.

Cynthia and the family are working on the lot most Tuesdays and Thursdays.  They are also  in need of rocks and a rain barrel.  To volunteer or donate materials, email Cynthia at brownmommys [at ] gmail.com.