Recently, I wrote an article about the mission group Transform Jersey Shore Area (TJSA). The purpose of the group was to take on home projects within the Jersey Shore community, such as painting, minor carpentry, and yard work, to help those who, for various reasons, are unable to help themselves. The idea of this type of local mission stuck with me, as I often think that one of the great things about living in a small, rural community is that we tend to take care of our own. It also makes me proud to live in this particular area.
After the TJSA article was published, I learned of the existence of another great organization in our area doing similar mission work — One Family at a Time. “One Family at a Time was started in 2023,” said mission leader Sherry Willson. “Some of us had been on a mission trip to other states to help clean up after hurricanes had destroyed towns. We thought it would be nice to help people in our town who needed things done but could not afford to do it by themselves.”
One Family at a Time organizes projects for homeowners within the Lock Haven area who, due to disability, lack of funds, or physical limitations, are unable to help themselves. “The first year, we were able to help 15 families. We did everything from tearing down a garage and building a handicap ramp to painting walls and fixing foundations,” said Wilson. She went on to say the group also helped with yard work, power washing, and repairing and painting fences.
Wilson also mentioned that the mission sometimes gets outside help. “Last year, we were fortunate to have 60 volunteers and a youth group from Virginia to help us. We were able to help seven families. We had a handicap ramp that took over a week to complete. We can only do ramps if we have enough volunteers and donations.”
The group is very serious about the Christian aspect of what they do, with an emphasis on being active within the community and with those outside of their church. Anyone living in Clinton County is welcome to apply for help with projects through the One Family at a Time organization.
In addition, helping with Mission Week would be a good fit for service groups, sports teams, youth groups, or anyone interested in giving back to their community.
Planning and logistics are organized by mission leaders, and lunch is provided daily. Not sure what your superpower is? No problem. The team needs volunteers with any and all skill sets. Helpers are welcome to sign up for things such as running errands, driving, first aid, food preparation, painting, yard work, and other duties. If you have the will to help, One Family at a Time will find a way for you to contribute.
Projects are currently being scheduled for 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, June 9 to 13. An adult in the family must be home while the work is being done.
If you would like help with mission week, June 9-13, with One Family at a Time, feel free to pick up an application at Covenant United Methodist Church, 44 West Main Street, Lock Haven, or contact Sherry Wilson at 570-749-6041. To make a donation, checks should be made payable to Outreach and Witness in care of the church.
“We now have started a Tool Box Ministry that can make small repairs all year round,” said Wilson. If you want more information about how to help with this ministry, please call Ron Miller at 570-660-5890. If you are interested in helping your neighbors and doing God’s work, call Pastor Justin Frear at 570-748-6481 or Sherry Wilson at 570-749-6041 or email covenantumc@susumc.org.
