One of the things I like about living in a rural area is the way that neighbors help neighbors. In North Central Pennsylvania, we tend to look after those in our communities rather than wait for some agency or another to do it for us. A great example of this type of mission-driven group is Transform Jersey Shore Area (TJSA), whose motto is One community, One neighborhood, One life at a time.
2024 marks the 8th year of the local mission focused on helping homeowners in the Jersey Shore area. TJSA is comprised of members of many local churches whose aim is to help homeowners do basic home maintenance that is otherwise beyond their capacity. It may be that the homeowner lacks the funds to afford the proper maintenance or simply lacks the physical ability to perform the required tasks.
Past TJSA projects have included removing overgrown brush, repairing steps, painting and staining decks, and building wheelchair ramps. “The repairs are appreciated greatly by the homeowners and bring a sense of satisfying servanthood to the many volunteers,” said Craig Seaholtz, one of the TJSA coordinators.
This is where you, my loyal readers, can help. TJSA needs volunteers. Those with some building or home maintenance experience are especially sought, but everyone and anyone is appreciated and has something to offer. To register as a volunteer for this year’s mission week, go online and visit the group’s website,
http://www.TransformJSA.org. Then click on the link for Volunteer Application from the menu on the left. The designated mission week for 2024 runs August 5th-9th. There will be a Core Planning Committee meeting on Thursday, July 25, at 6:30 p.m. at Trinity Episcopal Church (corner of Thompson Street & Mt. Pleasant Avenue, Jersey Shore), where TJSA members will plan and brainstorm projects. Beginning August 5, the volunteers will begin Mission Week with breakfast at 7:00 a.m., and then daily service project assignments will be given.
According to the TJSA website, Transform Jersey Shore Area is an ecumenical body of believers dedicated to sharing the love of Jesus Christ in a visible way within their community. “We help elderly and underprivileged homeowners with home maintenance and minor repair issues. We strive to be seen as the hands, feet, and heart of Jesus to the Jersey Shore Area.”
Donations are also appreciated. To make a monetary donation to assist the ongoing mission of TJSA, you may make checks payable to Trinity Episcopal Church with TJSA written in the memo line and mail to Trinity Episcopal Church, 176 Mt. Pleasant Avenue, Jersey Shore, PA 17740. For more information, contact Craig Seasholtz (570-753-5771) or Steve Muthler (570-916-1487).
