An update on Progress of the Alabama Project from Pam Dorr:
14 students from Birminham Southern University came to Hale for 3 days. They helped to build 2 wheelchair ramps and then helped to work on David's house (Habitat). One wheelchair ramp was for a 2 year old. He wanted a shiny ramp and Ethan and Charlotte (2 students from Bennington College in VT that are the early team for UBBT), were able to design something perfect for him. The students were a spirited group and their voices sounded like angels while they were singing/working.
They are the first group of volunteers that came down after UBBT last year. We have left David's house where UBBT finished off last year. There really haven't been any other groups to come since last April except small groups of 1 or 2 each weekend.
I got up early on Sunday morning to see the B'ham Souther studetns off as they were peeling themselves off the basketball court floor where they had been sleeping. I knew then that we are doing the right thing.
Our plan:
a) Create a place for volunteers to stay (with showers and beds) so we can do more good work in the community. The green design is underway for the "Ella Martin House" With the help of Charlotte and Ethan we will have a good headstart on the project by the time UBBT arrives. Our hope is that smaller groups of the UBBT will come down to do work here with local children and families
They are the first group of volunteers that came down after UBBT last year. We have left David's house where UBBT finished off last year. There really haven't been any other groups to come since last April except small groups of 1 or 2 each weekend.
I got up early on Sunday morning to see the B'ham Souther studetns off as they were peeling themselves off the basketball court floor where they had been sleeping. I knew then that we are doing the right thing.
Our plan:
a) Create a place for volunteers to stay (with showers and beds) so we can do more good work in the community. The green design is underway for the "Ella Martin House" With the help of Charlotte and Ethan we will have a good headstart on the project by the time UBBT arrives. Our hope is that smaller groups of the UBBT will come down to do work here with local children and families
b) Create a place for kids to learn so they can grow up to want to stay here and do more good work in the community. The "Borden Jackson House" will be converted into a HERO campus school room. When complete, it will hold Youthbuild students for morning and afternoon classes. Youthbuild is a program we just got a grant for which creates opportunity for high school dropouts to get paid to get their GED part day and learn construction trades the rest of the day. The homes they build will be sold to families with incomes 50% below median. When school is out each day for Youthbuild at 3:30, the class room will hold art classes for youth and the community in Hale. The art classes will focus on film, art and photography. The attached pavillion will be updated into an outdoor class room.
A dorm with room for 8-12 volunteers and a class room for students will be ready to go after the UBBT team works their magic in March. I know that even though I won't have the same connection we built with Henry, David, Dorinda, Lula and the other families we will be setting the foundation for many more connections to happen.
A dorm with room for 8-12 volunteers and a class room for students will be ready to go after the UBBT team works their magic in March. I know that even though I won't have the same connection we built with Henry, David, Dorinda, Lula and the other families we will be setting the foundation for many more connections to happen.
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