“Whatever it takes”. For the first several months of my tenure with JusticeWorks YouthCare I had given all my energy to helping youth and families achieve the level of success they desperately wanted; whether it would be through personal, family, or social interactions; establishing new rules for a new household mentality; or just using numerous resources the community had to offer. During this time, I believed I was fulfilling the JusticeWorks’ slogan of “Whatever it takes”, until I received a referral on September 30, 2008, for an unfit living condition case in Bethlehem, PA.
The first sight I witnessed upon stepping into the house was a caved-in ceiling in the dining room with ceiling tiles laying on the table and floor. Upon further inspection of the house, two upstairs bedrooms were totally unlivable due to a heavily leaking roof, collapsed ceiling tiles and insulation scattered all over the floor and bedroom furniture. Numerous plastic storage bins were filled to the brim with ceiling and roof debris and rain water from past storms.
With the help of another dedicated JusticeWorks employee, Tim Ford, we were able to help the family get cleaned up. Tim and I worked diligently during the course of two weeks to fully clean every aspect of the two upstairs bedrooms and kitchen. Our efforts involved taking down the remaining ceiling tiles and plaster, ripping out excess insulation in the ceiling, moving heavy bedroom furniture and dismantling a wooded structure, which was nailed in to the floor boards and walls, that served as a bunk bed, and taking apart and carrying a rain-soaked sofa down narrow staircases.
Throughout the two week cleaning process Tim and I were able to motivate and lift the spirits of the mother in the household, Karen. Karen demonstrated great resilience and a new found enthusiasm what had been lacing for years due to physical and psychological difficulties. Karen’s son, Mark, also did his part by transporting the smaller, lighter bags from the upstairs to the basement.
Karen was in tears several times stating that no one, or no agency, had ever helped her out as much as JusticeWorks. Along with creating a safe, livable household environment, we were, most importantly, able to give Karen and her family a new outlook on life. To witness a family unite for a common cause and overcome past issue and problems in an effort to change their lifestyle was truly amazing and inspiring. I now fully understand the “whatever it takes” attitude, and I am so proud to pass that mentality and encouragement to families who are willing to change their lives.
Thank you to Zach Farr, JusticeWorks Lehigh County, for doing whatever it takes to achieve a positive outcome!