OBERLIN, OH and CHESTERTOWN, NY -- MIA+BSI: The Natural Stone Institute has announced its collaboration with the Gary Sinise Foundation. In 2017, MIA+BSI will provide support to specially-adapted smart home building projects for severely wounded heroes and their families through the foundation’s R.I.S.E (Restoring Independence Supporting Empowerment) program. As part of this program, MIA+BSI members will provide natural stone materials, fabrication and installation for these homes across the U.S. 

MIA+BSI CEO, Jim Hieb is looking forward to this new opportunity. “The R.I.S.E. program is a very worthy cause for our association to become involved with,” he said. “We are privileged to be in a position to provide resources that will add beauty and function to the homes of these heroes. The cause is noble and worthy of our industry’s support.” Plans are underway for MIA+BSI members to provide natural stone for both interior and exterior uses in these custom-built homes.

“Gary Sinise Foundation is incredibly grateful for the support of MIA+BSI,” said Judith Otter, executive director of Gary Sinise Foundation. “There are many elements that go into the construction of one of our specially adapted smart homes, and we couldn’t be more pleased to have the MIA+BSI team onboard.”

For more information about this partnership, and to learn how MIA+BSI members can get involved in this unique new opportunity, visit www.naturalstoneinstitute.org/RISE.