Having grown up in the Upstate New York countryside and then raising my family in North Central Pennsylvania, I’ve realized that small-town people care for their own.
Let’s be honest: if every time we’re in a jam, we wait for some big agency to come and bail us out, we might be waiting for a very long while.
I’ve noticed that people in this region are especially generous with their resources.
A great example of this type of generosity is the mission-driven group Transform Jersey Shore Area (TJSA), whose motto is One community, One neighborhood, One life at a time. “Transform Jersey Shore Area (TJSA) is a non-profit group of Jersey Shore area Christians dedicated to helping elderly and disadvantaged homeowners in the Jersey Shore Area,” said Craig Seasholtz, coordinator of TJSA.
2025 marks the 9th year that the local mission group has focused on helping homeowners in the Jersey Shore area. Founded in 2015 by area church leaders, the 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 they simply lack the physical ability to perform the required tasks.
The project came to fruition when TJSA member Lyn Thompson attended an event in the Williamsport Area where a talk was given about Transform Williamsport, which pre-existed with TJSA. She shared what she had learned with her friends and colleagues with great excitement. Her underlying question was, “Why can’t we do this in the Jersey Shore Area?”
When asked where the project operated, Seasholtz responded, “The Jersey Shore School District is our primary area of focus. We have done projects in Avis, McElhatten, Jersey Shore, Oval, Salladasburg, and Linden.” Past TJSA projects have included removing overgrown brush, repairing steps, and painting and staining decks. In addition, the group has built wheelchair ramps, spread stone on driveways, and pressure washed, among other things. “The repairs are greatly appreciated by the homeowners and bring a sense of satisfying servanthood to the many volunteers,” said Craig Seasholtz, one of the coordinators of TJSA.
“We meet with homeowners in advance during our work week to evaluate the feasibility of accepting the homeowner’s request,” said Seasholtz. “People can apply to receive help from TJSA by picking up a homeowner application at any of the following locations: Jersey Shore Post Office, Avis Post Office, Antes Fort Post Office, Buttorff’s Hardware, Wool’s Hardware, Avis Building Supply, Jersey Shore Public Library, Shore Diner, Gateway Cafe, Jersey Shore YMCA, and Waltz’s Creamery and Farmhouse Cafe.”
Here is my ask: TJSA needs volunteers and donations. 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 group is also taking monetary donations to help with various projects.
The designated mission week for 2025 runs August 4th-8th. The Core Planning Committee meeting was recently held on Thursday, May 22nd, at 6:30 p.m. at Trinity Episcopal Church (corner of Thompson Street & Mt. Pleasant Avenue, Jersey Shore), where TJSA members planned and brainstormed projects. Beginning August 4th, 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.”
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 of the check and mail them to Trinity Episcopal Church, 176 Mt. Pleasant Avenue, Jersey Shore, PA 17740. For more information, contact Craig Seasholtz (570-753-5771) or find them on Facebook at Transform Jersey Shore Area or their website, TransformJSA.org.
