Well folks, wrapping up another semester here at the BSU. As I reflect back on the last few months, I’m overwhelmed with gratitude for how we’ve gotten to bless and serve folks right here in our community.
I wanted to highlight some of the service projects we took on together this past semester and celebrate the impact y’all are making through volunteer work!
Tree Trimming for Local Widows
Early on this fall, we spent a Saturday morning working in the yards of a few elderly widows near campus who needed some help getting trees trimmed back before winter hit.
A big shoutout to our student leader Andre for organizing this day of service and making sure we had all the right equipment from his dad’s tree trimming business. We tackled overgrown crepe myrtles, low-hanging magnolia branches, and scruffy bushes needing some shaping up.
In just 3 hours, we thoroughly cleaned up the trees and yards of the sweet ladies from our church, then shared a delicious lunch together after. They were so grateful for the helping hands and we loved blessing them through our efforts!
Bathroom Renovation for Women’s Shelter
Around Halloween, we got the privilege of assisting with a bathroom remodel for the downtown women’s shelter’s residential recovery program facility. This faith-based organization provides not only housing resources but also addiction counseling and vocational training for women rebuilding their lives after homelessness or prison.
Shoutout to Dylan’s dad who works for a construction company and hooked us up with discounted flooring, sinks, cabinets and plumbing supplies. We demoed the old bathroom completely then installed new floors, vanities, toilets, paint and accessories over the course of two weekends.
The shelter director wept when she saw the finished product, overjoyed at how the dignified, uplifting space would make program participants feel valued. We all left feeling so humbled and motivated to continue this kind of hands-on community service.
Gutter Installation for Senior Center
Toward Thanksgiving break, we spent a couple afternoons installing new gutters and downspouts on an older section of the local senior center. Rainwater drainage issues caused flooding and moisture damage inside pretty frequently.
But grads Zack and Jose brought their construction know-how to the project and walked us through the whole process—measuring, cutting, hanging seamless gutters, clipping on downspouts, the whole shebang. We even incorporated leaf guard screens.
The seniors were so appreciative; it was fun partnering our skills with an existing need locally. Such a feel-good way to care for the aging folks in our neighborhood.
Powder Coating Services for Single Moms
In December, we offered free powder coating services for a few single moms connected to our church needing house fixtures revived. Powder coating essentially sprays on colored coatings that are then baked to cure. It leaves a durable, polished finish on metal items.
Our art student leader Tabitha set up an entire mini powder coating shop in her parent’s garage, masking off specified sections so multiple pieces could be coated at once without colors bleeding together.
We helped prep and coat patio furniture, light fixtures, and mismatched bed frames to look freshly brightened. Adding this splash of color to their homes brought so much renewed life. The joy was contagious!
Insulating Houses to Lower Energy Bills
Our last act of service before Christmas break was teaming up with Habitat for Humanity to install insulation in the attics of several low-income houses in our community. Proper insulation drastically improves energy efficiency to lower utility bills.
Equipped with the right safety masks and materials, we affixed thick fiberglass batts between wall studs and across attic joists. It was awesome putting sweat equity into tangible projects that immediately eased financial burdens for local families. Talk about meaningful impact!
Changed Hearts Lead to Changing Communities
Whew, what an eventful few months serving alongside each other, y’all! As you can see, we’ve covered a ton of ground working to better the spaces and lives of folks right around us. I hope reflecting on these things ignites a passion in you to continue pursuing service initiatives together.
The blessing of getting our hands dirty to build God’s kingdom is that our own hearts change in the process too. Let’s keep seeking ways we can give back out of the abundance we’ve been given. The impact is so worth it—on both sides!
