In the fall of 2015, Andy and Tammy Schafer felt God’s call to open a Youth Center in Holmes County. That center is now on track to be housed in three storefronts in the heart of downtown Millersburg, thanks to groups who have worked hard since spring to clean, repair, and renovate the buildings. On August 31, a crew of Yoder Lumber employees spent three hours in the morning helping H15 Ministries edge a little closer to their goal by scraping paint from the face of the building and the vintage tin ceiling in preparation for fresh paint.
Yoder Lumber’s Jason Fetters of Wooster arrived ready to lend his skills to the cause. Fetters has three young children of his own and understands the importance of providing teens with a healthy and meaningful space in their community.
“I think it’s a great idea,” Fetters said. “I’m glad to have the opportunity to help out. I plan to bring my 11-year-old back to do more work for the center.”
YL’s Daniel Graber of Sugarcreek joined the work crew, too. He emphasized the importance of stepping in to help whenever possible.
“When Yoder Lumber said they needed volunteers, I took the opportunity,” Graber said. “It’s important to support community projects when possible, and a teen center is needed.”
H15’s board sees the future center as a gathering place where young people can enjoy a hot meal after school, hang out and interact with peers and caring adults, and take classes in computer programming, sewing, woodworking, and cooking as well as work in hobby areas for scrapbooking, model trains, electronics. They will also be able to participate in classes like music lessons, recording studio, dance classes, and more.
While the YL team made great headway to help H15 Ministries meet these goals, there is still much to do for volunteers of all abilities and skill level. Right now, there is a great need for roof and brick work as well as electrical, drywall, plumbing, and heating and cooling. Workdays generally take place on Monday, Thursday and alternating Saturdays.
Marketing director Dennis Hange enjoyed the opportunity to serve for the morning.
”Working with H-15 Ministries was a wonderful experience to get out of my cubical, get my hands dirty and give back to the local community,” Hange said. “I look forward to seeing the fruits of our labor and the opening day of this teen center for Millersburg."
For those who would like to contribute labor or other resources, contact Andy Schafer at 330-231-7147, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or at P.O. Box 105, Millersburg, 44654.
