lighthouse project 2012
TRANSCRIPT
2012 BB&T INVESTMENT SERVICES, INC.
LIGHTHOUSE PROJECT
BBTIS in Charlotte, NC picked the Journey Place for their project.
This is a home for males that have been abandoned and placed into
foster care but have aged out of the system and have no place to
go. Without a home like this these boys would be homeless and
have no future.
Our goal was to create a place that felt like a real “home” and
volunteer our time. We provided mentorship, played sports, offered
advice, listened to their stories, helped them with resumes and
appropriate contacts to find jobs and taught them basic life skills
- things that one would typically learn from a parent.
Coldman Issac Dexter Montel Allen
MEET THE RESIDENTS
The three days we reserved for volunteering will go beyond this project as the friendships will last much longer.
WE HELD AN ICE CREAM SOCIAL AND ENCOURAGED
EMPLOYEES TO PARTICIPATE.
THEN WE DISCUSSED THE PROJECT AND DESIGN PLANS WITH THE RESIDENTS.
THEN WE BROUGHT IN THE NEW!
Everyday the residence saw a delivery truck pull up, they would run outside like it was Christmas.
THE RESIDENTS HELPED US PUT IT ALL
TOGETHER
Along the way we taught them basic life skills, like putting together furniture, measuring, hanging
curtains and pictures etc.
WE HOSTED A COOK OUT WHERE WE LEARNED MORE ABOUT
EACH RESIDENT AND HOW WE CAN HELP THEM IN LIFE…
We also stocked their cabinets , supplied the residents with basic kitchen utensils & appliances
and taught them hot to cook, plan meals . We also created a personalized cookbook for each of
them.
WE MENTORED AND COACHED THEM
AND HELPED THEM WITH APPROPRIATE
CONTACTS REGARDING JOBS, SCHOOL
AND LIFE.
FINAL VISIT… These young men have basically been
abandoned all their lives so we have made future
plans to keep in contact. Going forward, there
will be a basketball rematch and we want to
attend some of their games to cheer them on.
We have identified each young man’s hopes for
the future and we are actively trying to help them
get jobs and training in their areas of interest.
We will have monthly dinners to continue
teaching them basic kitchen skills and to continue
building on the relationships that we have started.
This project not only touched the current residents of the house, but we have
set it up so future residents have a more productive and comfortable
environment for an easier transition into independent living. In addition we
have assembled starter/move out kits for the residents that include basic
kitchen and bathroom items that will alleviate some of the stress one faces
when moving out on their own.
Not only were we able to fulfill the original plans of this project but we went
above and beyond. The intangible reward in what actually happened with
this project is priceless. The young men not only came out of their shells
and opened up but they learned lifelong skills that they may not have learned
anywhere else and developed a unique relationship with each of us. BBTIS
really gave these young men the confidence that people truly care about
them.
A BIG THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO
DONATED THEIR TIME.
We had over 50 volunteers and put in
more than 340 hours….