What, So What, Now What

Yesterday the team came together over a really challenging project. After a brief ice-breaking session, we loaded the truck, and drove over to A Place Along the Way to beautify a section of their backyard. A Place Along the Way is a 100% donation-run shelter for teens in Fontana, and it was interesting to hear that it served teens not only as a place to sleep, but they also held peer-counseling, and allowed teens to do their laundry, get meals, or use the computer for job searches and/or research.
As we entered the backyard, it was obvious that the yard hadn't been used in a very long time, even though it had such potential. I mean, the yard was separated into three parts- a pool that needed a deep cleaning, a weedy yard that was enclosed by a sturdy metal gate, and then a weedy yard that wasn't enclosed. We had decided to beautify the gated-in section, figuring that since the shelter housed a few young children as well, then they would best utilize that section to keep the young children from falling into the pool.
The Home Depot had really pulled through with an amazing $500 worth of product donation. I had been worried that our 'beautification' would transform a very weedy lot into a sandy lot, but HD gave us the opportunity to actually make it beautiful. Even while we were unable to de-weed the entire section, we were able to clear a large enough section under a tree for the donated picnic bench. The shaded picnic table was a sight for sore eyes, and it definitely looked like a great place to relax and have a good laugh with friends!
We recognized that the 650 sq.ft. fenced in area had been too big of a task to complete in what was really only three and a half hours. However, several team members voiced their desire to return another day with volunteers and complete the task. So, look for an opportunity in the second weekend in June (June 14-15) to complete the beautification. See you then!

Our next project is at a food bank in Pomona. More to come later!