T hey’re back
and the community looks a little better for it.
Nearly 400 volunteer members of a national Christian student group visited the city of Niagara Falls this week to lend a hand in fixing up homes belonging to senior citizens, the handicapped and low-income residents.
Another 300-plus members of Reach Workcamps are expected to arrive in the city this week to continue making house repairs some residents would not be able to do or to afford themselves. Spokesperson Annie Dodge said the volunteers expect to complete work on about 50 homes in the city during their two-week visit.
“We are a Christian organization, and we just want to show the love of Christ to those in this area,” Dodge said. “We find a lot of joy in service. For as much as the kids are giving, they are finding they are getting a lot more, too.”
Reach Workcamps is a nonprofit charitable organization based in Colorado. It attracts thousands of Christian senior high and junior high school students working under the supervision of adult leaders during week-long missions in low-income communities. The first camp was held in Madisonville, Ky., and others have been held throughout the eastern United States and New Mexico, according to its Web site.
Typically, the camp only comes to a community once but this summer will be the fourth visit to Niagara Falls. The group previously visited the city in 2002, 2004 and 2007.
Working with local agencies and churches, the camps seek to make an impact by helping residents in need and bestowing a sense of pride in the community. The volunteers will be in the city through the end of next week doing work ranging from painting to drywalling and porch repair to installing wheelchair ramps. The volunteers provide the labor and materials are included at no charge. Homes receiving help through the program were selected through an application process coordinated by the Department of Community Development.
Contact reporter
Mark Scheer
at 282-2311, ext. 2250.
Local News
Related Photos
-
DAN CAPPELLAZZO/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER ON THE JOB: Brendan Marasco, 17, of Washington, Pa., cleans up in front of a home on Pierce Avenue as part of the summer Reach Community Program. DAN CAPPELLAZZO/STAFF PHOTOGRAPH
-
a fresh coat: Amanda Alsbrooks, 15, of Corbin, Ky., and 15-year-old Sean Whang of Bethlehem, Pa., paint a home on Pierce Avenue as part of the summer Reach Community Program. DAN CAPPELLAZZO/STAFF PHOTOGRAPH
NIAGARA FALLS: Reaching out to help homeowners
- Local News
-
-
Child run over be car on Niagara Avenue
Falls Traffic Division investigators said an 11-year-old boy was struck after he darted into the street, in front of a car as it pulled away from a stop sign.
-
Militello paid $50K to leave Niagara-Wheatfield
Former Niagara-Wheatfield Superintendent Carl Militello is receiving a $50,000 from the district, according to a separation settlement agreed to on Feb. 1.
-
Autopsy unable to determine cause or time of Judith Burr’s death
An autopsy by an Erie County Medical Examiner has failed to determine either the time of death or the cause of death of Judith Burr.
-
Gerber resigns from SPCA board; calls for adding veterinarian to staff
A Town of Niagara veterinarian and long-time member of the SPCA of Niagara Board of Directors has stepped down.
Dr. William Gerber submitted his resignation on Tuesday. It was effective immediately. -
Has NYPA relicensing agreement led to a revival?
A state senator is calling for an audit of the low-cost power and cash used in the last seven years by Niagara County entities that have shared in the benefits of the 50-year relicensing agreement with the New York Power Authority.
-
Joseph Davis State Park gets some green
Officials in the Town of Lewiston received approval Thursday to spend a significant portion of the community’s incoming greenway funds on the redevelopment of Joseph Davis State Park.
-
Search continues for Falls jumper
State Park Police were still searching Thursday for a Falls man who jumped from the rapids bridge at Goat Island on Wednesday morning.
-
NU gets helping hand for campus projects
A new county entity formed to help organizations secure bond financing agreed on Wednesday to assist Niagara University in the development of its new science center, a proposed refurbishment at Meade Hall and other campus improvements totaling $48 million.
-
One Niagara tax break denied
It’s a no-go for a proposed tax break at One Niagara.
At least for now. -
County IDA adds local hiring clause
From now on, applicants seeking assistance through the Niagara County Industrial Development Agency will be expected to demonstrate their “best efforts” in hiring local workers for subsidized projects.
- More Local News Headlines
-
Obama Gives Education Waivers to 10 States
Giffords Aide to Run for Her Seat
LA School in Sex Abuse Scandal Reopens
Winter Slamming North Asia, Parts of Europe
Syrian Forces Renew Bombardment of Homs
States, Banks Reach Foreclosure-abuse Settlement
Raw Video: Italy's Mount Etna Bursts Into Life
Greeks March; Angry Despite Debt Deal
Raw Video: U.S. Pullout Celebration
Raw Video: Annual Empire State Building Run-Up
Man Killed in Courthouse Shootout
Air Force Airlines: Leaders Get Polished Service
Ga Girl Fights Off Kidnapper at Walmart
Nevada Highway Patrol, City Settle Beating Case
Homs Bombardment Continues, Global Outcry Grows
Raw Video: Dog Rescued From Icy Colo. Water
Skip the Coffee Cup and Inhale Your Caffeine Fix
