Applying paint to Rosa's home
Before
After
St. Ignatius College Preparatory School from Chicago sent a group of rising seniors to participate in the volunteer program over the summer. St. Ignatius has sent groups to us through their “Summer Immersion” program for the past few years.
Through their Summer Immersion program, students first study theology, then participate in retreats to put their studies into practice. “The four principals taught are service, community, simplicity and prayer,” said chaperone Jessie. “Many of the girls who come to volunteer are from privileged backgrounds,” Jessie explained. “On our trips, we stress living simply and being good stewards of the resources that we have been given. Hopefully this translates and serves as a reminder to the girls to be mindful of those who are less fortunate as they become adults.”
This particular group of ten, certainly impressed the SHSM Volunteer Staff with the quality and quantity of their work. The girls, along with two SCJ students in formation, Celsus and Paul, were able to repair and replace the rotted fascia and soffits as well as completely paint three homes in less than a week. (The team was originally only scheduled for two client sites.) As icing on the cake, the students also cooked dinner for our Volunteer Staff after work one evening.
Rosa was beyond thrilled with the repairs and fresh coat of paint on her home. Young men from our parishes were able to install a new roof. St. Ignatius finished up the job with new paint on the house and fence, as well as repairs to the fascia and soffits. Rosa’s was one of three homes that received a make-over during their stay.
