Vendor Partnership: Tate & Sons Contracting

InVision’s Residential Program is designed to provide people who experience intellectual and developmental disabilities with the opportunity to pursue independent living in a home of their own. Through this program, the people we support at InVision can create a meaningful living space, resembling who they are and how they want to build their lives within their beloved communities. 

However, with home ownership comes the inevitability of home renovation and repairs, as natural damages occur, and a person’s needs change over time. Throughout the daily lives of the people we serve at InVision, our direct support workforce ensures their medical, emotional, and functional needs are met. So, who ensures that homes in need receive the proper renovations and repairs? 

This is where InVision Foundation steps in, supplying the financial means necessary for the maintenance of safety, comfort, and functionality among the properties people supported by InVision know and love as their personal homes. Within our western region, we know exactly who to call for renovations and repairs that meet the highest level of standards and quality: Tate & Sons Contracting.  

Tate & Sons Contracting: A Reliable Partner 

Tate & Sons Contracting – located in Beaver Falls, PA – was established in 1985 by Bob Tate. The locally owned business covers all things residential repairs; from handyman work to home remodeling and property renting. While occasionally popping in to help with a few projects here and there, Bob recently retired in 2019 – passing the family business down to his son Jeremy, who now oversees its operation. 

InVision’s vendor relationship with Tate & Sons Contracting began back in 2000, starting with the rental of one of Tate & Sons’ properties – establishing a home for Marsha, a person supported by InVision, where she currently resides to this day. In 2005, our partnership with the company started to blossom, as we began utilizing their renovation and repair services. Since then, Tate & Sons Contracting has completed countless jobs for InVision, and is known around our organization as a skilled and trustworthy partner. 

With nearly 40 years in business, the projects Tate & Sons Contracting specialize in include full home remodeling, kitchens and bathrooms. But the work they do for InVision does not stop there. Whether it be painting, flooring, roofing, deck installation, heating and cooling systems or special projects such as patios, sidewalks, or driveways, InVision relies on Tate & Sons for many renovation and repair needs. 

One of the most notable projects Tate & Sons has worked on for us over the years is the installation of a wet room bathroom for a person supported who uses a wheelchair. The design of this room allows for adequate space to accommodate the person’s shower chair, as well as proper supports from direct support staff. At this same home, the team at Tate & Sons installed a private patio and wheelchair accessible pathway that navigates to the person’s handicap wheelchair swing. 

Additionally, Tate & Sons has completed a full home renovation to a property InVision recently purchased, adapting the space to safely address the mobility challenges faced by the person supported living there. The renovations and repairs included new flooring, a garage ramp, a garage exit door, a remodeled bathroom, and updating painting. Within this home, the washer and dryer will also be moved to the garage for better access and independence for the person supported to do their laundry. 

These are just two examples of the many projects our Facilities team has counted on Tate & Sons to complete with the betterment of the lives of the people we support front of mind.

Genuine Relationships with Tate & Sons Contracting

“The wonderful thing about Tate & Sons is that they get our mission,” Holly Kalkhof, Facilities manager and Safety Committee chair at InVision, shared. “They understand that our goal is to help the people we support. When we work with them on a project, they can take that understanding, along with their expertise, and make sure that we have the best possible outcome for that person. They care about how their work will benefit the person.”

Holly also noted that the staff at Tate & Sons have taken the time to get to know our team members, are endlessly kind and patient, and spend time interacting with people supported while checking in or working on things around the properties. 

“It isn’t often that we get that kind of caliber of personalized interaction and work with our vendors,” Holly added. “I am so appreciative of what they do for us!” 

During an interview discussion with Jeremy about his work with InVision, he mentioned that some of the people InVision supports even live within his local community. Often running into them, he is always happy to wave, say hello, or strike up a conversation. 

“InVision is a great company to work for,” Jeremy said. “Everyone is always well organized, easy to get along with and very friendly. I enjoy working with both employees and people supported from InVision. It’s a great experience.” 

Outside of his work in contracting, Jeremy and his wife are parents to three daughters ranging from ages four to sixteen. From college searching and travel gymnastics, to supporting his wife with her own small business, Jeremy is proud to dedicate his time to his to family. 

Thank you, Bob, Jeremy, and the staff of Tate & Sons Contracting. The work you do for InVision truly aids our mission to build person-driven services for people who experience disabilities in their pursuit of meaningful lives. It is so very much appreciated!

InVision Foundation is grateful for the many vendor partnerships whose support enables the people we serve in our Residential Program to live in their own houses, receive necessary maintenance, safety and security, and capital home improvements. You can learn more about this fund and other ways to donate by visiting the Foundation page on our website.