Building Independence: Huber Helps Invests in Life-Changing Homes for Veterans
J.M. Huber Corporation (Huber) is proud to continue its partnership with the Gary Sinise Foundation (GSF) through a $125,000 Huber Helps sponsorship supporting the Restoring Independence Supporting Empowerment (R.I.S.E.) initiative. The R.I.S.E. program builds specially adapted, mortgage-free smart homes for severely wounded US veterans, first responders and their families, helping them achieve greater independence and quality of life.
“We are so honored to support the mission of the Gary Sinise Foundation through our contributions to the R.I.S.E. program,” says Lea Volpe, SVP of Communications & Shareholder Relations for Huber. “Our participation fills our Huber Engineered Woods’ employees with pride knowing that the products they are making will actually be in the walls, roofs and floors of these homes, supporting the recovery of people who have sacrificed so much.”
This year’s sponsorship will support the home of U.S. Air Force Staff Sergeant (Ret.) Kaleb Konoff, which is also being constructed using donated Huber Engineered Woods (HEW) products, including ZIP System® sheathing and AdvanTech® subflooring.
After serving as an ammunition specialist in Iraq, Kaleb experienced a stroke while deployed overseas that significantly impacted his mobility and independence. His new R.I.S.E. home is being custom designed to meet his long-term accessibility needs, providing a safer living environment and helping him rebuild confidence and capability in everyday life.
Beyond annual financial support, HEW continues to donate building products for R.I.S.E. homes across the country. In 2026, four R.I.S.E. homes received product donations, making their homes resilient and of high-quality in structure. Throughout the year, Huber employees and members of the VETS Employee Resource Group have participated in Walls of Honor ceremonies and home dedications, helping to celebrate the veterans and first responders whose lives are being impacted through this partnership.
Together, Huber and the GSF are helping honor the sacrifices of our nation’s heroes by creating homes that foster independence, dignity and opportunity.
About The Gary Sinise Foundation
Gary Sinise is an award-winning actor and humanitarian, best known for his roles in CSI:NY, Apollo 13, and his Oscar-nominated performance in the film Forrest Gump as the wounded Vietnam veteran Lt. Dan Taylor. An advocate for our nation’s defenders since the 1980s, after 9/11 Sinise began a tireless crusade to support America’s military and first responders around the world with handshake tours and concerts with his band, the Lt. Dan Band. In 2011, he established the Gary Sinise Foundation as an extension of those efforts. Today, the Foundation is building custom homes for severely wounded heroes, honoring and supporting the families of our fallen, providing essential equipment and training for first responders, improving the mental wellness of our defenders, and so much more. For more information and to support, visit www.garysinisefoundation.org.
About J.M. Huber Corporation
J.M. Huber Corporation, headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia (US), operates, partners and invests in a diverse portfolio of businesses. With locations around the world, we create products used in a broad range of applications including personal care, food and beverage, agricultural nutrients and adjuvants, building materials, flame retardants and smoke suppressants, while also providing sustainable forestry services. Founded in 1883, Huber is one of the largest family-owned companies based in the US. For more information, visit www.huber.com.
