Kate Chadwick takes a moment to spotlight local citizens for doing something well!
Who she is: Astrid Martin
What she does: Astrid is the owner of Servicio Fresco (Fresh Service), a local residential/commercial cleaning company which she started in West Chester five years ago.
Why she’s on this page: Astrid works with Cleaning for a Reason, an international organization providing free house cleaning services for women being treated for cancer. “Cleaning for a Reason contacted me asking if I would donate some of my time to service patients battling cancer,” Astrid said. “When I learned the details about the organization, I was highly impressed.” Cleaning for a Reason works with local community cleaning services nationwide to provide two cancer patients monthly with free home cleanings. “Since our inception, we have partnered with over 1,200 professional cleaning companies, provided 21,000 women with the gift of a clean home, and value of the donated cleanings is more than $5.7 million dollars,” said Lynn Frankenfield, Cleaning for a Reason’s Executive Director. “The organization touched my heart; my mother died of cancer, and my sister was recently diagnosed,” Astrid said. “These women should be spending time with their families and focusing on their health while I take care of their cleaning needs.”
What we like about her: She’s a hometown girl. Born in Columbia, Astrid’s family moved to the United States and settled in the borough when she was three. “I grew up in the borough, right on Gay Street,” she said. “It’s great to see my kids (five of them!) grow up in West Chester and enjoy it as much as I do.”
What she likes about West Chester: “I’ve spent the majority of my life in West Chester, so to see all the changes from then to now is amazing,” Astrid told us. Astrid started working at the former Thatcher’s Pharmacy [now Rite Aid] while still in high school and ended up in management for 12 years. “Back in my thirties, I managed the only nightclub in West Chester, Night Works.” What’s she enjoy these days? “I love Limoncello!”
Moral of the story: The little things add up—on both sides of the coin. There’s a practical payoff potential for Astrid, above and beyond any karmic benefit, in that after the patient’s fourth free cleaning, they can opt to hire her. But that’s not why she does it. “Honestly, seeing these women so appreciative is all the reward I need. If I can put a smile on a woman’s face who is suffering and battling for her life, that’s fulfilling for me.”
More information on Cleaning for a Reason can be found on their website at cleaningforareason.org. You can learn more about Servicio Fresco at serviciofresco.com.
Do you know a WC resident who’s doing good things and deserves a little recognition in Tell Me Something Good? Let us know! Email details to kchadwick@thewcpress.com
