Good Works! is Working and Serving in 2022

Good Works! is working and serving in 2022

What does it look like?

It looks like loving people volunteering to serve and giving of themselves, to others

It looks and feels like love

Our Good Works! Crew and its outreach in the community serves non-profit organizations in Western North Carolina that exist for the greater good for all. Our program offers dignity through work and supportive counseling to those ready to move forward. Participation offers positive interaction in the workplace, a solid work history and, most importantly, hope for a better life. Crew members are given the chance to meet and work with other people concerned about their community. In doing so, perceptions of what it might mean to be homeless, addicted, or mentally ill can change. Labels fall away and everyone is simply accepted for who they are and their contribution to meaningful work.

The current and former members of the Good Works! Crew spend hours of professional counseling time as a requirement of the program. Participants work through and receive support for work behaviors, ongoing mental health management, coordination with the court system, addiction issues, and family relationships. The crew members are dedicated to this process and the progress they make is truly amazing.

The Good Works! Crew has regularly scheduled work days at the Habitat ReStore, Lake Logan Conference Center, Haywood Street Congregation, Christmount Center. In addition, we continue to serve St. Matthias and we’ll travel back to Church of the Holy Spirit, Mars Hill and Grace Episcopal Church in Morganton. Our newest worksite is at the Historical African American Cappadocia project in the East End/East Valley neighborhood in conjunction with the Preservation Society of Asheville/Buncombe County.

The last 18 months have been tough for all non-profits and service agencies due to the spread and effect of the Covid virus. The Crew is now getting back on track and will be adding new opportunities:

Saws will be buzzing and hammers swinging as we have been invited to participate in The House of Faith Build at Habitat for Humanity. The House of Faith project allows us to work alongside the Beth Israel Congregation, the Unitarian-Universalist Congregation of the Swannanoa Valley, Black Mountain Presbyterian, the Baha’i Community, St. Mark Lutheran, St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church and several local college groups.
Gardening is back on the calendar! We’ll be participating in workdays at the Dr. George Washington Carver Edible Park located in the East End/Valley Street Community.
Look for us helping with lawn care and gardening at All Souls Counseling Center.
Music to my ears….The Good Works! Crew has been invited to assist in The Cold Mountain Music Festival as volunteers for the needed setting up for the event.

As you can see, we are receiving unlimited invitations for the Good Works! Crew. If you know or encounter anyone at The Red Door or beyond who might be a candidate, please send them my way. It is a great time to be a crew member!