YouthBuild 2010 Renovations
Local communities benefit from programs like YouthBuild who rehab and remodel homes in need of repairs.
Led by Ryan Alton and Bill Thouvenin, the Centralia campus participants are doing a remodel/addition at the intersection of Frazier and Perrine in Centralia. The house is now closed in and the participants are currently installing electrical boxes. The existing portion was completely gutted so the end result will be a "new" 3 bedroom, 2 bath home.
The Mt. Vernon participants, led by Ryan Alton and Rob Robinson are currently rehabbing adonated home at 422 South 22nd. When finished, the home will have a new kitchen & bath, refinished hardwood floors, new windows, new roof, new electrical service and lighting, as well as new HVAC.
Each year, the YouthBuild program helps their participants earn their GED while learning leadership skills. They do this by rehabbing and remodeling dilapidated houses in Centralia and Mount Vernon. It is great for the participants and the community to physically see what they are accomplishing. Also, the homes will be put on the market when completed, in hopes to increase property value in the neighborhood.
The participants are doing well this year, there have been 5 GEDs awarded this cycle with results pending on 8 more. Three participants have already enrolled at Rend Lake College. YouthBuild is planning a combined graduation ceremony for both Mt Vernon and Centralia campuses on May 13.
YouthBuild is one of many programs offered through the United Methodist Children’s Home. For more information contact Rick Marlow, YouthBuild Program Manager, at 242-6723 or rickm@umchome.org.