Good Works is a Christian nonprofit organization which exists to improve the living conditions for low-income families in Chester County, PA. They transform substandard houses into warmer, safer, and drier homes; and despair into hope. Their services are offered to homeowners at no cost and volunteers do most of the repairs. Since Good Works was founded in 1988, God has provided a spirit of unity within Good Works enabling them to assist over 440 low-income homeowner families using thousands of enthusiastic volunteers.
Their goal is to see the inhabitants of these homes rise above their level of poverty and experience a richness through being cared for and knowing that their circumstances matter to their community. They believe that everyone benefits when people from different races, cultures, and backgrounds join together in a common purpose.
Christ Community Church has the privilege of partnering with Good Works tas a Good Work's Partner Church. Currently, CCC is working on a Good Neighbor's home in West Chester, PA. Every second Saturday of every month volunteers from CCC will work on this trailer home until the necessary repairs are completed. If you are interested in serving in any capacity with this ministry, please contact Barbara at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).
Our Volunteer Leaders are:
Dan Spink - Work Crew Leader & Volunteer Coordinator
Dave Hale - Tech Staff Co-Leader
Joe Weaver - Tech Staff Co-Leader
Jennifer Domal - Ambassador
Sandy Waldman - Lunch Coordinator
For more information on Good Works, visit their website at www.goodworksinc.org.
A Day in the Life of a Good Works Volunteer, by Jennifer Domal
The day started cold and raining but that didn't stop more than twenty volunteers, three-quarters of them first time workers, from heading out to our home to see what was in store for us. Jim and Elyse joined the effort and were a blessing to have on our team. We had such a lot of women turn out that they were teasing we were taking over! Well, the ladies who worked in the kitchen cleaning, organizing, sorting and managing the tasks in an efficient manner in a small work area. How wonderful to see the Lord work in just a few minutes and make strangers work together like a well oiled machine.
The big picture window was replaced so the home owner will have a much warmer winter. Two first time volunteers learned new skills in putting in the window with a regular volunteer. The siding is completed on the sides of the house and halfway done on the front. When asked in the beginning of the day what he wanted done most, the home owner said the siding was most important. So we did our best to get as much done as possible. The house is really looking good!
The basement team did an incredible job clearing of the damaged furniture, boxes, appliances and sundry items that needed to be removed in preparation of cleaning and pipe repair. A lot of credit goes to the home owner's generous and giving heart in his ability to let go of items willingly that he really cannot keep and his desire to donate what he does not need. The volunteers who carefully went through the belongings to identify anything that could be donated or sold need to be commended for their time and care. Treating someone else's home as your own is a model of Christ's love and a great example to set.
Our homeowner has a love for a particular print done by a local artist. When the artist stopped by for lunch and spent some time with him in conversation it was a special time for the home owner. He made sure to tell everyone the rest of the afternoon about his meeting with the artist and the significance of the one work based on the Bible. It was truly special.
Good Works has a mission to make homes warmer, safer and drier however we also need to build relationships with our homeowners and with the people we serve with to glorify God. You do not need any special skills to volunteer for a workday. God has already gifted you with everything you need to serve! Please email .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) to be added to the volunteer notification list.