First, Sheldon Yellen and his crew did their homework.
Before leaving the campus of Marshall Fundamental High School in Pasadena, crews of Belfor Restoration suggested coming up with a gift to the teachers and staff coming in the heels of their cleanup.
“Yes, we restore buildings, yes we rebuild, but most of all, we help to restore peace of mind, to help get communities back on their feet in the aftermath of disasters,” said Yellen, CEO of the Anaheim-based restoration company.
Company staff thought because roses are the official flower of Pasadena, and a symbol tied to its world-famous Rose Parade, they could give a “welcome back to school” and early Valentine’s gift to teachers and staff at Pasadena Unified School District.
At the first week of schools prepared to reopen after the Eaton Fire, company staff dropped off 3,500 roses to teachers and staff.
“Schools are a pillar of the community and we are so happy to welcome you back to yours,” read a thank you-note that accompanied each bloom.
Belfor handles more than 330,000 disaster calls annually, from hurricanes to wildfires. Yellen led cleanups and restoration projects after Hurricane Helene, Katrina and floods in Thailand. Belfore is the largest property restoration company in the world, according to company spokeswoman Donna Kang.
Yellen said he can’t underscore the power of small gestures and how it can help communities heal during challenging times. Besides, the Pasadenans and Altadenans he met on the job impressed him.
“What we saw was the resilience of an inspiring community as they continue down the path to recovery after the devastating Eaton fire,” he said. “This was a heartfelt gesture our teams wanted to provide to the heroes of Pasadena. The teachers and staff of these schools are truly at the heart of the community.”
The company stationed its National Disaster Team Mobile Command Center unit at Marshall Fundamental (it’s a 70-feet long tractor trailer that sets up to be double wide and tall). The epicenter of the company’s work, it offered satellite service, fully self-generated power, and conference rooms.
“It was the hub for our team’s response efforts,” Yellen said.
Work included setting up temporary power, fire remediation and HEPA vacuuming, sanitizing and interior cleaning.
Specialized restoration equipment such as industrial air scrubbers purified interior spaces using HEPA filtration. Crews also set up positive pressure ventilation, hand-cleaned indoor details and scrubbed air ducts.
Another company completed environmental testing and inspections before the schools were cleared to be reopened.
Their rosy offerings were received with gratitude, humility, hugs and lots of appreciative posts on social media from teachers.
“Small gestures like this are symbolic that there is still beauty surrounding us and to encourage people to continue to fight and find the resiliency that makes a difference,” Yellen said.
Because he’s been on the ground after many disasters, Yellen said the worst of times can bring out the best in the human spirit. His first advice: it’s okay to take things one day at a time.
“Healing goes beyond rebuilding homes, businesses, and structures; it also involves caring for your well-being, both physically and emotionally. Raising your hand for help is a sign of strength, and it’s crucial to connect with others who have experienced similar challenges, such as joining local support groups (like those for wildfire survivors), reaching out to professional mental health services, or talking to loved ones. Each step forward, no matter how small, brings you closer to rebuilding a brighter future.”