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Home Works
The mission of Home Works is to show God’s love for all through service to others and assist others in their faith journey.
Home Works’ activities will focus on providing home repairs to homeowners in need, assisting youth in their development and empowering communities to meet the needs of its members.
St. Mary’s participates in Home Works’ week-long project during the summer and at least one weekend effort at another point in the year.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is Home Works?
Home Works is a program based in Irmo, South Carolina. The chairperson of the board of directors is Hank Chardos, a parishioner at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Columbia. The first Home Works work camp was in 1996 in Johns Island, South Carolina. The program was established to offer service projects that are prayerful and spiritual in nature. Home Works also operates in conjunction with the youth and young adults of the Diocese of Charleston and the Episcopal Diocese of Upper S.C. and their Appalachian out reach program. Home Works is a nondemoninational Christian organization open to all teens and adults interested in expressing God’s love through service to others.
Who can attend?
If you are fourteen years of age or older, and serious about serving others, you are welcome!! High school grads, college students and adults are also welcome.
How long are the programs?
Home Works serves Chapin, Aiken, Greenville & Johns Island, SC and also Appalachian areas such as St. Paul, VA and Boone, NC in the summer. Each session is a week long. There are also periodic "one day blitz" in Columbia and Aiken, SC throughout the year.
Where do we stay while at the work camp?
Local church or parish gymnasiums. Bring your sleeping bag and an air mattress. There are separate sleeping areas for guys and gals. Facilities are basic, but offer the advantages of indoor plumbing, air-conditioning, hot showers, and a comfortable place to enjoy a meal.
What kind of work will we do?
Each day will be spent either renewing homes by doing such things as painting, basic construction work and plumbing, caulking, housecleaning, roofing, and spending some time of prayer with the families we are serving.
What if I have little or no experience in home repair?
As long as you come willing to help, you will have no trouble jumping into projects. There is plenty to do and while it’s hard work-it’s also a lot of fun! There will be more experienced trouble shooters at each site to supervise, instruct, and help.
How will we travel to the work camp and to the sites?
Most groups use vans or a small bus to get to the gym. We try to use those same vehicles to transport teams to their sites. Only adults will drive to the worksites.
How are the adults from each church or parish used?
Every adult is assigned to a work site. This adult is part of the overall team. We depend on adults to work side by side with the youth to help them accomplish their work projects. The adults will also supervise young people during free time and evening programs. There are also ways to work "behind the scenes" during the week (i.e running supply errands or helping with Gatorade preparation, etc.).
How well-supervised and safe is the Home Works program?
Home Works takes supervision and safety very seriously. First aid kits and responsible adults are on hand at every work site. Safety goggles and gloves are provided for everyone attending. Plenty of cool liquids and breaks are provided throughout the day. All youth should have personal health and medical insurance. Medical facilities, if needed, are located a short distance from every site.
How do we spend our free time?
Fun, laughter, prayer, music, singing, reflection and messages that center on Christ’s love and his commandment to serve one another. Young people and adults will be spiritually renewed during and after their participation.
What is the cost?
Home Works asks for a donation of $150 from each participant to cover the cost of supplies. The initial deposit is $50, due by May 15th. Be creative and persistent in finding a way to come. Ask your church or parish members to sponsor you or hold a fund raiser with your youth group! Local businesses in the past have also donated supplies or helped with the cost to attend. All food and lodging is provided for.