Jett Foundation would like to take time to thank one of our generous supporters, Shea Concrete for their contributions to our organization. Their ongoing support of the families and individuals we partner with in the Duchenne community is much appreciated and so significant to our mission to extend and enrich the lives of those impacted by Duchenne muscular dystrophy and other neuromuscular disorders.
Shea Concrete is a family-owned and operated company. For over 70 years, the company has committed itself to producing the highest-quality precast concrete products and specializing in everything from septic tanks, to manholes and drainage structures, to bulkheads, curbing, residential steps, retaining wall systems, and precast concrete buildings.
At the onset of the global health crisis, Shea Concrete laid off 10% of its workforce due to COVID-19. The pandemic paused the construction industry, but didn’t derail the company significantly. “We are considered essential as a vendor to the MA DOT, so we were able to remain open,” says Brenda Shea Stratis, the company treasurer, and granddaughter, of Shea Concrete’s founders. Now, nearly everyone is back to work, and the business is booming. “We are quite busy, and we’re lucky to have the office and manufacturing space to be able to work safely, while keeping our distance.”
Shea Concrete has a deep-rooted connection to the Duchenne muscular dystrophy community. The company’s founders, Ernie and Mary Shea’s best friends had a son who was diagnosed with the degenerative neuromuscular disorder. “At the time, I didn’t know there were so many types of muscular dystrophy, I certainly never had heard of Duchenne,” says Brenda. Now, Brenda shares her nephew AJ’s two sons are living with Duchenne.
After noticing Jett Foundation was partnered with Rodman Ride for Kids, Shea Concrete decided to reach out and join their Go! for Duchenne team at the ride. Rodman for Kids is a nonprofit organization that helps raise funds for youth-focused social-service organizations that support at-risk kids and positive development.
“My husband Greg, my sister Kathleen, my nephew AJ, and I were looking to ride in the Rodman Ride for Kids; my husband is an avid cyclist. I saw that Jett was a new partner organization of Rodman for Kids,” Brenda said. “The mission connected to us directly. We came to know of Jett Foundation through our nephew and his two boys, Rick and Isaac, who have Duchenne. They had been very involved with the foundation and my niece Emma was a Camp Promise volunteer counselor. As a family business, we knew we had to join the team when we made that connection.”
While Shea Concrete’s generous $10,000 donation was originally intended as a sponsorship of our Celebration of Impact and Rodman Ride for Kids, they have continued their support, despite the events being cancelled. Given the challenges many nonprofits are facing with fundraising due to COVID-19, Shea Concrete recognized the vital need to continue to support Jett Foundation. These critical funds will help support programs like Camp Promise, Jett Giving Fund, Family Workshops, and parent support groups. Their support will also help us keep our community engaged and informed while safe at home during the pandemic through virtual offerings of almost all of our traditional, in-person programming.
Thank you, Shea Concrete, for your continued support. We are grateful for your partnership and look forward to seeing you on the road at the Rodman Ride for Kids next year!
To join Shea Concrete as a sponsor of our family-focused programs, please email maura@jettfoundation.org.
