(Posted March 24, 2016)
By Sandi Latimer, Staff Writer
Herman Stanley, West Jefferson village councilman, is looking for homeowners who need outdoor repairs done to their homes.
A group of youths and young adults will be in the village the last week of July to perform repairs on homes of older adults who are physically and or financially unable to do the work themselves.
The group is known as Ohio Changers, and is an offshoot of Kentucky Changers, sponsored by churches in Kentucky. First Baptist Church of West Jefferson is bringing the group to town this year, Stanley said.
“These young people will be able to do some painting or even building a handicap ramp for the homeowners,” Stanley said. The program is for homeowners, not renters, he noted.
The young people who participate in the program must meet standards set by the Baptist church. During their work week, they will have Bible studies every day.
For their week in West Jefferson, they will have overnight accommodations in and meals provided by a Baptist church in Grove City.
“Other churches and local organizations can help,” Stanley said.
Materials used in the repairs will be donated or paid for through the mission work of the Baptist church, he added. Plus, local residents or businesses are welcome to make monetary donations to further the program.
So far, Stanley said, four or five homes are on the schedule for repairs “and they’d like to have 10 to 15 homes.”
Stanley, who chairs village council’s special events committee, calls this a win-win.
“The young people learn how to do the work, people are being helped, and the community looks better,” he said.
Anyone interested in participating or donating money or materials or obtaining more information can contact West Jefferson First Baptist Church, (614) 879-7213, or Matt Stickel or Wade Beachy at West Jefferson Hardware, (614) 879-9036.
