At Rick’s Custom Fencing & Decking, building strong fences and beautiful outdoor spaces has always been our passion—but building stronger communities is what truly drives us. For over four decades, we’ve had the honor of not only enhancing homes across the Pacific Northwest but also giving back to the people and neighborhoods that have supported us from day one.
Our commitment to community service isn’t just a side project—it’s woven into the fabric of who we are. Whether it’s partnering with local nonprofits, sponsoring youth programs, or organizing volunteer days for our employees, we believe in showing up, pitching in, and making a difference. Every nail we drive and every board we place is backed by a deeper purpose: to create spaces that connect people, both at home and in the community.
In this blog, we’ll share how Rick’s continues to support causes close to our heart, spotlight recent initiatives, and invite you to be a part of the journey. Because together, we’re not just building decks—we’re building a better tomorrow.
Together, they’re building more than fences—they’re building hope
A new fence may seem like a simple thing, but for Kayla Susick—a single mother of twins, a local teacher, and a breast cancer warrior—it meant peace of mind, safety for her children, and a reminder that her community stands behind her.
Kayla, a teacher at Hazel Dell Elementary School in Vancouver, has been undergoing cancer treatment for the past year. With everything she’s juggling, even basic home maintenance can become overwhelming. Earlier this year, a storm knocked down part of her backyard fence, creating an added source of stress—until help arrived.
That help came in the form of Michelle’s Love, a nonprofit founded by Andy Royal McCandless, whose mission is to support single mothers undergoing cancer treatment. Thanks to a recommendation from Kayla’s social worker, she connected with Andy—and immediately felt a spark.
“From the second I heard her voice, I felt connected,” Kayla said. “She has the same personality that I do. She’s a get-it-done kind of person. She lifted the heaviness.”
But Michelle’s Love didn’t stop there. They teamed up with Rick’s Custom Fencing & Decking, who generously donated their time and materials to rebuild the fence and give Kayla and her children a safer, more secure space to call home.
Rick’s Custom Fencing & Decking has always believed in building more than just fences and decks—they’re committed to building stronger communities. As part of their ongoing community outreach efforts, the company actively seeks out partnerships like this one with Michelle’s Love to make a lasting, positive impact on families in need.
“Supporting our community isn’t a side project—it’s part of our mission,” said Taylor Stanley, Director of Marketing from Rick’s. “When we heard about Kayla’s story, we knew we wanted to be involved. Giving back is just one way we can use our skills to create real change for real people.”
For Kayla, the experience has been humbling—and uplifting.
“Cancer is this horrible, awful curse,” she said, “but there are these beautiful gifts that come with it. The people who come out of the woodwork to support you—it’s awe inspiring.”
Thanks to Michelle’s Love and Rick’s Custom Fencing & Decking, what started as a broken fence became a symbol of resilience, compassion, and community. It’s proof that when people come together with purpose, they can help lighten even the heaviest burdens.
From left to right, Taylor Stanley, River, Kayla Susick, Andy Royal McCandless, and Marcella are all smiles Friday in Vancouver. Royal McCandless of Michelle’s Love and Stanley, representing Rick’s Custom Fencing and Decking, were at Kayla’s house as part of a home improvement project. Michelle’s Love helps single mothers who are undergoing cancer treatment. Kayla is the mom of twins Marcella and River. Photo by Paul Valencia
Want to learn more about our journey? Visit our community support page to see how we’ve contributed to our communities, or contact us to learn more about our projects and explore how your organization could partner with Rick’s on a future project.
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