When people think of summer vacations - exotic locations, tours through European cities, or the boardwalk at the Jersey Shore might come to mind. But, for a group of teens from the Catholic HEART Workcamp, their summer vacation meant cleaning homes, working outside and making a difference in the lives of those in need.
All three of Catholic Charities, Diocese of Paterson’s Agencies (Catholic Family and Community Services, the Department for Persons with Disabilities, and Straight and Narrow) had volunteers donate their time from Catholic HEART Workcamp for the twelfth consecutive year. From July 22nd – 26
th these young leaders helped children, seniors, people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and those in recovery.
“Each year, we have had different groups of young people come from all over the country to have an experience of ministry as well as an opportunity to bond with other teens for spiritual enrichment. The beauty of this Workcamp program is that in addition to the students sharing their time and talent with us, they also have the opportunity to see the wonderful programs that we offer. The teens always seem to be impressed with DPD and Catholic Charities,” said Joanna Miller, Executive Director of the Department for Persons with Disabilities.
Catholic HEART Workcamp is based in Orlando, FL. The Founders/Directors are Steve and Lisa Walker. The first Workcamp was established in 1993 and has increased in size every year. The Catholic HEART Workcamp mission is to revitalize communities and beautify homes for the elderly, disabled and those who cannot afford needed repairs. Their goal is to inspire participants to serve in their local communities.
Each of the Catholic Charites agencies had a group of volunteers that took on various projects.
“DPD was blessed to have 4 hardworking volunteers from the Catholic Heart Work Camp serving in our group homes. They took on jobs that are not easily accomplished in the busy life of a group home; from washing windows to deep clean of bedrooms and organizing storage areas. Courtney, Megan, Mary and adult volunteer Kim expressed deep appreciation for the opportunity to spend time in the homes and to meet the residents. Serving people with developmental disabilities was a new experience for them and certainly one they will not soon forget. They are thankful for the insight and understanding they gained through their time here and will go back to their respective states bringing with them new eyes when it comes to the dignity of all people. We very much appreciate all they did with such a glad and generous heart,” said Patricia Barrett, Director of Pastoral Care, Department for Persons with Disabilities.
In addition to working at the Department for Persons with Disabilities, the Workcamp volunteers helped at each of Catholic Charities food pantries; pulled weeds, mulched and beautified the 508 parking lot, the 508 “Secret Garden,” and the 410 garden sitting area at Straight and Narrow; provided friendship for those served at the Paterson Adult Day Center and Senior Activities Program; and painted a mural at Friendship Corner II, one of Catholic Charities Early Learning Programs.
“The teams are usually really good but this year's team was exceptional. They were enthusiastic and did whatever was asked of them from assisting our janitorial staff with cleaning to assembling and moving furniture and, of course, playing with our little ones,” said Gloria Bodker, Director Early Learning Programs, Friendship Corner II.
“As a nonprofit organization, volunteer help is always appreciated and very much needed. Not only did the young women and men provide valuable service for our programs, they also showed how good-natured they are. They treated the poor, seniors, those with disabilities and those in recovery with the highest level of respect and dignity. We are truly grateful for our long-lasting partnership with the Catholic Heart Workcamp,” said Scott Milliken, Catholic Charities Chief Operating Officer.
To learn more about the Catholic Heart Workcamp, please visit www.heartworkcamp.com.