Good Works, Inc. teaching teens to help improve living conditions of less fortunate
Two high-schoolers from last year’s Good Works summer camp congratulate each other after completing some repairs.
While many people focus on holiday festivities this week, the folks at a Chester County nonprofit are readying themselves to impart the lessons of giving back to a younger generation.
Good Works, Inc., whose mission is to improve living conditions for low-income families in Chester County, is planning two weeks of Summer Youth Work Camp beginning July 9. High school students will perform home repairs for qualifying families in the Coatesville area at no charge to them.
Now in its 22nd year, the camp attracts volunteers from as far away as New Jersey and Virginia. Working side by side with other teens from various faith communities, students will form close relationships as they spend the week learning new skills and serving those living in substandard housing. Under the technical direction of Joe Lisowski, Good Works’ repair supervisor, each group spends eight hours five days a week working under the direction of skilled craftsman and youth group leaders from their congregations.
During the week-long camps, the youth stay at Coatesville Bible Fellowship and enjoy evening programs planned to build camaraderie and deepen their spiritual life. One of the highlights of the week takes place Thursday evenings at Hibernia Park when campers and homeowners share a picnic while having fun together.
Work Camp Director Bill Richardson, an earth and space science teacher at Owen J. Roberts High School near Pottstown, shares this about his experience with the campers last year: “It is amazing to watch today’s youth use their gifts and talents in such an enthusiastic way … It is inspiring to see that they are so willing to serve if we just give them the opportunity.”
Homeowners in need of repair assistance can contact Good Works by calling 610-383-6311. General work days are held the first and second Saturdays of each month year round; contact the volunteer coordinator by phone at 610-383-9247 or email at cathy@goodworksinc.org to schedule a time to come out and volunteer, either as an individual or with a group from your church, community or workplace. More information is available at www.goodworksinc.org.
Every homeowner knows how difficult it can be to get someone to your home for repair work. Now imagine yourself with bad credit over hospital bills, disabled and on a fixed income. And your roof is leaking. I believe that many people helped by Good Works fit that description.