Block party,
was definitely the theme of this ECM Work Day.
Not only because of the upbeat tunes provided by resident Jessica and
family, but also because of the inspired message given by Restoration CommunityChurch’s associate pastor, Nanci. Nanci challenged volunteers to fully
take in the day with thoughts and actions of community, personal growth, and
service.
Volunteer
and youth pastor, Lance, spoke cheerily as he described his work with
Restoration Community Church and their annual participation with Extreme Community Makeover. The
community attitude of Lance and his team did not go unnoticed by Globeville resident, Uriel. Uriel witnessed the happiness
and fun as volunteers painted his house and was so moved by the experience, that he was inspired to sign up to participate in future projects to give back to his community. For me, I was moved by the energy created as
people came together to serve one another, but also to see our youth, such as
Uriel being inspired to help as well.
The connection
and conversations continued as volunteers and residents shared their
stories. Katie took a break from her painting as she checked in on her ten week old daughter…ECM’s youngest volunteer.
Obviously, Katie’s daughter couldn’t do much in the way of physical
work, but her sweet disposition helped to keep volunteers and residents in an
upbeat mood. A common theme shared among residents assisted by ECM, as confirmed by Jessica, is of ECM’s perfect timing. Her husband
recently had bypass surgery and wasn’t able to keep up on the maintenance of
their home. Jessica said she was still
grieving over the passing of her daughter in February, but was grateful and
moved by the support and kindness of the volunteers with ECM. She and her
niece, Rika asked for suggestions on how to improve their home’s curb appeal. I
suggested they plant a flowering bush in memory of their daughter…they loved the
idea. Like resident Uriel, Rika was
inspired by ECM’s work to better Denver’s neighborhoods and asked how she could
contribute.
As I drove
away from Globeville and the residents I met today, I quickly reflected on how moved I am by the work and inspiration that Extreme Community Makeover and volunteers are contributing to our
city and our community. Truly, all it takes
is one act of kindness to create a ripple effect of inspiration, service, and
personal growth. To witness service and
kindness in another is surely a recipe for positive change and growth; so thank
you to Restoration Community Church and our individual volunteers for being a
beautiful example. Also, special thanks
to our Globeville residents for letting us into your homes, your lives, and for
your kindness.
- Lisa, ECM Communications Team
Volunteer
and youth pastor, Lance, spoke cheerily as he described his work with
Restoration Community Church and their annual participation with Extreme Community Makeover. The
community attitude of Lance and his team did not go unnoticed by Globeville resident, Uriel. Uriel witnessed the happiness
and fun as volunteers painted his house and was so moved by the experience, that he was inspired to sign up to participate in future projects to give back to his community. For me, I was moved by the energy created as
people came together to serve one another, but also to see our youth, such as
Uriel being inspired to help as well.
