Celebrating Community Partners: Catholic HEART Workcamp
H.O.M.E extends a huge thank you all the volunteers from Catholic Heart Workcamp.
l to specific destinations to help organizations with their program needs. They have
volunteered with us in past years and are always enthusiastically welcomed back.
During the week of June 9th they helped us by painting 19 seniors’ homes in addition to several projects at two of our buildings. Those projects included installation of 18 window unit air conditioners, painting, cleaning, and visiting with our residents. The group generously donated all paint and materials for the community painting projects, without their generosity we would not have been able to paint these homes.
Intergenerational: bridging the gap between youth and elders
I visit the home of each senior before the painting takes place. When I explain that the work will be done by a group of young people with adult supervisors the homeowner frequently expresses concerns about how good a job they will do or how well-mannered they will be. The seniors are concerned that their home will be a mess after the painting is completed.
When I go back to check on the progress of the work it’s an entirely different scene. The senior is pleased with the quality of the painting job and more importantly with the quality of the young people doing the work. It’s not uncommon for me to be told that, “these children are heaven sent” or “I have not enjoyed this kind of company in a long time.”
Once the home has been completed many of the seniors tell me their home looks brand new and that they are proud of their home again. They are excited to show it off to their friends and neighbors.
Lastly I know for a fact that many of the young people exchange information and keep in touch with their new friend after they leave Chicago. The homeowners are interested in hearing about college plans and how the young people are doing. The same goes for the young people, they are concerned about the wellbeing of the senior.
Once again a tremendous round of applause to all the volunteers from Catholic Heart WorkCamp. On behalf of H.O.M.E. and our clients, we cannot thank you enough.
How you can help
The Catholic HEART Workcamp put a big dent in our waiting list for our summer painting
program, but there are more seniors who need their homes painted. Here’s how you can help:
- Get a team together. Whether through your church or synagogue, workplace, child’s school, or book club, we’d love to connect you with seniors who need a fresh coat of paint and smiling faces.
- Supply paint and paint brushes. We can sometimes provide paint and materials, but we suggest that teams provide the materials themselves.
- Schedule a date! Contact Mike Laz at MikeL@HOMEseniors.org or 773-295-2709 for more information.
