Post by admin on Feb 15, 2008 17:14:41 GMT -5
www.app.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080214/COMMUNITY/802140434/1285/LOCAL09
FREEHOLD — Several homeowners in the borough will receive free home maintenance repair this summer, thanks to a group of Christian youths that plans to donate their time and labor.
"It should be great," said Councilman Kevin Kane, who is coordinating the effort with the World Changers group. "There's a lot of need for that (home maintenance) in our town."
World Changers is sponsored by the North American Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention, according to its Web site. It began with hands-on missions for senior high youth in 1990, and has now expanded to provide a variety of projects for a wide range of
students.
This summer, more than 220 people have signed up to visit Freehold for one week of work in the borough, said Borough Administrator Joseph Bellina.
That work will likely include painting and upkeep chores for homeowners who might otherwise not be able to afford home improvements.
The volunteers will provide the manpower, Kane said. Kane is trying to recruit local clubs and organizations to donate materials, he said.
Officials are still determining who will benefit from the World Changers' labor, but Kane said the three senior buildings in the borough will be considered, as will owner-occupied, single-family homes. Officials are coordinating with the borough code enforcement office to find potential candidates, Kane said.
Members of World Changers are expected to meet with borough officials in upcoming weeks to identify projects, Kane said.
The group will visit the borough from July 5 to July 12, according to the World Changers Web site. They will work Monday to Friday, with a half-day off on Wednesday to enjoy themselves, Kane said.
"It allows them (students) to have a great little vacation by helping people," Kane said.
The Freehold project is open to all students who have completed sixth grade through college, according to the group's site. Volunteers will stay at Neptune High School, Kane said.
Freehold is the only town listed in New Jersey where World Changers will perform work this year.
For this first summer, Kane said the project will be small. But he hopes to increase the number of people served in future years.
"We're looking for a long-term relationship (with World Changers)," Kane said.
Kim Predham: (732) 308-7752 or kpredham@app.com
In your voice
FREEHOLD — Several homeowners in the borough will receive free home maintenance repair this summer, thanks to a group of Christian youths that plans to donate their time and labor.
"It should be great," said Councilman Kevin Kane, who is coordinating the effort with the World Changers group. "There's a lot of need for that (home maintenance) in our town."
World Changers is sponsored by the North American Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention, according to its Web site. It began with hands-on missions for senior high youth in 1990, and has now expanded to provide a variety of projects for a wide range of
students.
This summer, more than 220 people have signed up to visit Freehold for one week of work in the borough, said Borough Administrator Joseph Bellina.
That work will likely include painting and upkeep chores for homeowners who might otherwise not be able to afford home improvements.
The volunteers will provide the manpower, Kane said. Kane is trying to recruit local clubs and organizations to donate materials, he said.
Officials are still determining who will benefit from the World Changers' labor, but Kane said the three senior buildings in the borough will be considered, as will owner-occupied, single-family homes. Officials are coordinating with the borough code enforcement office to find potential candidates, Kane said.
Members of World Changers are expected to meet with borough officials in upcoming weeks to identify projects, Kane said.
The group will visit the borough from July 5 to July 12, according to the World Changers Web site. They will work Monday to Friday, with a half-day off on Wednesday to enjoy themselves, Kane said.
"It allows them (students) to have a great little vacation by helping people," Kane said.
The Freehold project is open to all students who have completed sixth grade through college, according to the group's site. Volunteers will stay at Neptune High School, Kane said.
Freehold is the only town listed in New Jersey where World Changers will perform work this year.
For this first summer, Kane said the project will be small. But he hopes to increase the number of people served in future years.
"We're looking for a long-term relationship (with World Changers)," Kane said.
Kim Predham: (732) 308-7752 or kpredham@app.com
In your voice