Renewal by Andersen Esler Companies has partnered with the Dempsey Center, a nonprofit founded by actor Patrick Dempsey, to provide a significant, transformative donation of new windows and doors for Clayton’s House.
A dedicated volunteer team of 35 Renewal by Andersen employees led the renovation on October 17–18. Clayton’s House is the Dempsey Center’s vital hospitality home in Portland, Maine, which serves as a refuge, offering no-cost lodging for clients who must travel significant distances for their cancer care.
The donation included 22 new, custom-manufactured, energy-efficient Renewal by Andersen® windows and 2 new doors. The Esler Companies team donated all labor and materials to replace the building’s aging units, aiming to enhance comfort, boost energy efficiency, and increase natural light for guests.
A Healing Space for Families in Need
Clayton’s House provides a comforting, home-like environment for clients accessing the Dempsey Center’s free services, which include counseling, nutrition guidance, movement therapies, and integrative care. By removing the significant financial burden of hotel and travel costs, the house allows families to focus on healing.
The renovation centered on installing high-performance Renewal by Andersen Fibrex® windows and doors. These improvements will help lower the center’s operating costs by reducing heat loss during Maine’s cold winters and foster a warmer, more peaceful atmosphere for guests.
Supporting a Mission of Compassion
Founded by Maine native and actor Patrick Dempsey in honor of his late mother, Amanda, the Dempsey Center has become a crucial support system for thousands of families navigating a cancer diagnosis. What started as a local initiative in Lewiston, Maine, has evolved into a nationally recognized model for whole-person cancer support, providing all services at no cost.
With physical locations in Lewiston and South Portland, supplemented by robust virtual programs, the Center ensures that no one has to face cancer alone, regardless of their financial situation or location.
“The Dempsey Center was founded when Patrick was watching his mother navigate her cancer journey, and he saw firsthand how much compassionate support matters,” said Heather Plati of the Dempsey Center. “Every program we offer is funded through generosity—every dollar raised directly supports services for our clients. That’s why this renovation from Esler Companies and Renewal by Andersen means so much to us. Maintaining Clayton’s House is essential to our mission, and this kind of pro bono support is truly extraordinary.”
Plati highlighted that the partnership extended far beyond a simple donation.
“I can’t fully describe what this project means to us—it fills my heart,” she said. “Esler Companies didn’t just offer funding; they showed up for Maine families. Their volunteers gave their time, energy, and skill—even on a Saturday—because they genuinely care about this community. This partnership is a powerful reminder of what can happen when businesses step forward to support their neighbors. We are forever grateful.”
A Partnership Driven by Purpose
The collaboration between Renewal by Andersen and the Dempsey Center stems from a mutual belief that strong communities are built through direct action and compassion.
“This project started the way most good things do—through human connection,” said Collin Burg, General Manager of Renewal by Andersen, who spearheaded the project. “Once we got to know the team here and saw the work they do every day for families facing cancer, we knew we wanted to help. It was an honor to put our skills to use in a way that truly makes a difference.”
Burg emphasized that the initiative perfectly reflects the core values of Esler Companies.
“At Esler and Renewal by Andersen, giving back isn’t a slogan—it’s part of who we are,” he said. “Through our Renewal Cares initiatives, every window we install helps fund community projects like this one. Our philosophy here in Maine is simple: when you combine skills, resources, and the right community partner, the impact goes far beyond the dollars invested. We’re incredibly grateful for this opportunity to serve, to stand alongside the Dempsey Center, and to support our Maine community.”
This renovation is a component of Renewal Cares, a philanthropic program that empowers employees to give back to their communities through hands-on volunteerism, charitable donations, and partnerships.
Enhancing the Healing Environment
The Dempsey Center operates on the principle that healing is holistic and begins in an environment where people feel safe, supported, and comfortable. Studies have shown that calm, well-lit surroundings can significantly improve emotional well-being during a cancer journey.
“This experience has felt surreal in the best way,” said Jenn Sternberg of the Dempsey Center. “Today it really struck me just how much care exists in this community, and how meaningful this gift from Renewal by Andersen truly is.”
Sternberg continued, “It’s an incredible honor to be the recipient of this project. These new windows will keep our clients warm and dry, block out noise, and give them a quiet, comfortable place to rest and heal while staying here. The generosity behind this effort is overwhelming—the crew was amazing, efficient, and incredibly professional. This has been a remarkable act of kindness that will have a lasting impact.”
By enhancing the comfort and sustainability of Clayton’s House, this renovation ensures the Dempsey Center can continue to provide care that reflects dignity, safety, and hope for years to come.
About Esler Companies
Esler Companies is the holding company for Renewal by Andersen of Nevada, Arizona, Colorado, Oklahoma, North Texas, Central Texas, Greater Philadelphia, Southern New England, and Portland, Maine.
About the Dempsey Center
Founded by Patrick Dempsey, the Dempsey Center makes life better for people impacted by cancer by providing personalized support services at no cost. With locations in Lewiston and South Portland, Maine, and virtual services available nationwide, the organization offers counseling, nutrition, integrative therapies, movement classes, and family support.
Learn more at https://www.dempseycenter.org.
