Extreme Teams Volunteer of the Month - October 2026
Adam Is our Extreme Teams Volunteer of the Month. For the past two years, Adam has volunteered with Extreme Community Makeover as part of the Video Team, bringing more than 20 years of experience in video production to Work Days throughout Denver.
After running his own video company for two decades, Adam wanted to step away from the pressures of corporate clients while continuing to do something he loves: telling stories. Volunteering with Extreme Community Makeover gives him the opportunity to use his skills to capture the people, neighborhoods, and transformations taking place during Work Days.
How did you first get involved in Extreme Community Makeover?
I had a video company for 20 years, and eventually I moved on to other things. I still wanted to shoot and tell stories about topics that were interesting to me, but I didn’t want the stress of working with corporate clients anymore.
Extreme Community Makeover seemed like a great fit. I can volunteer a few Saturdays throughout the year, get out with my camera, capture some interesting stories, and give the footage back to the organization. It’s been a really good way for me to continue doing something I enjoy while giving back to the community.
Can you tell us about something memorable you’ve experienced during a Work Day?
One of the most memorable experiences was working at the home of an older woman who had a very specific list of things she wanted done. She had everything mapped out in her mind, and she knew exactly what she needed.
I really appreciated that because it showed me one of the important ways Extreme Community Makeover can make a difference. She knew what needed to be done, but she couldn’t physically do it herself anymore.
Being able to complete those projects and then see how thankful someone is at the end of the day is a pretty great feeling.
How do you see Extreme Community Makeover making an impact during Work Days?
The before and after pictures really tell the story.
There’s so much change that can happen in just a few hours. Volunteers can clean two or three alleys in an afternoon, and by the time the Work Day is over, the difference is incredible.
For me, some of the best things to capture on video are the transformations, especially graffiti removal and alley cleanups. Seeing the difference between what an area looked like before and what it looks like afterward is pretty amazing.
It makes the neighborhood look better, but I also think it encourages people to take more pride in where they live.
For me, some of the best things to capture on video are the transformations, especially graffiti removal and alley cleanups. Seeing the difference between what an area looked like before and what it looks like afterward is pretty amazing.
It makes the neighborhood look better, but I also think it encourages people to take more pride in where they live.
In your perspective, how is Extreme Community Makeover making a difference in Denver neighborhoods?
I think one of the biggest impacts is taking alleys that have been neglected for a long time and making them look beautiful again.
When an alley starts accumulating trash, it can become a dumping ground. One piece of trash becomes another, and pretty soon it feels like there’s no reason not to add more.
But when an alley is clean, I think people are less likely to throw an old tire or a pile of trash back there. It creates a sense of pride and respect for the neighborhood.
The more alleys Extreme Community Makeover can clean up, the more it changes the way people see and care for their community. It’s about showing respect for where you live and being part of getting the work done.
What would you say to someone who is thinking about volunteering?
If you’re a photographer or videographer, there’s a place for you on the Video Team. But you don’t need to have a special skill to get involved. If you want to be part of making a difference in a neighborhood, put on a shirt, show up for a Work Day, and get to work.
Congratulations Adam!
Congratulations to Adam for being ECM’s Extreme Teams Volunteer of the Month for October! Learn more about how you can also get involved in the Extreme Teams. Check back in November to see who Adam nominated to be the next Volunteer of the Month!