CV NEWS FEED // Nearly 700 Catholic teenagers of the diocese of Arlington, Virginia are dedicating part of their summer vacation to perform home improvements for local residents who are unable to do the work themselves.
According to Northern Virginia Daily, In the last week of June, 670 campers and more than 500 adult volunteers are taking on 190 major projects at nearly 100 homes in Winchester and the counties of Frederick, Clarke, Warren and Shenandoah, and a few more in West Virginia.
Participants in the WorkCamp program are constructing wheelchair ramps, installing doors and windows, repairing roofs and decks, hauling trash, pouring concrete walkways and more.
On June 25, twelve campers were at a 25-year-old, two-story home in Gore, replacing the roof for the LaPianas, a young family who had intended to do the work themselves until tragedy disrupted their plans.
Tony LaPiana was a Virginia State Police trooper who was in an accident while on duty last year, when his wife Nicole was 17 weeks pregnant.
Not only did the accident leave LaPiana with permanent physical challenges, brain damage, tinnitus, memory loss and constant migraines, it also depleted the couple’s bank account. There wasn’t enough money to fix the roof, which they couldn’t have fixed anyway due to the trooper’s injuries and his wife’s motherhood duties.
Thankfully, the roof replacement was an ideal WorkCamp project.
The LaPianas were filled with gratitude as they observed WorkCamp participants pounding nails, clearing debris, climbing ladders, and stacking new shingles.
“This is amazing,” Tony LaPiana said, as he leaned on a cane for support. “It’s really a huge blessing.”
According to director Kevin Bohli, campers must undergo significant effort to qualify for the WorkCamp.
They first submit applications in October and, if selected, raise funds to cover their expenses and support the purchase of construction materials.
Additionally, they attend classes to learn about tool safety, respecting client privacy, the significance of community service, and other essential topics.
“They’re learning leadership skills and discovering that it’s really important for all of us to be giving back to the community,” Bohli said. “God has called them all here this week. Maybe it’s to fix a roof, but maybe it’s to change their hearts.”
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Author: Rachel Quackenbush
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