Ground Zero Youth Ministry
 Pastor Mike Atkins, Youth Pastor
Drew Cope, Youth Director
125 Saginaw Rd
New London Twp, PA 19352

Church: (610) 869-2140
GZ Office: (610) 869-7332
Fax: (610) 869-7823
Mike@GZYouth.com
www.GZYouth.com

P r e s s    C o v e r a g e


Project R.A.K.E. continues to make a difference in 2004

By Karen Busby, AvonGrove Sun

New London Presbyterian's home repair outreach program greets spring 2004 with 12 crews and 18 projects on its inaugural weekend.

Some 60 area teens and adults were out in the cold, bright and early on March 13 to continue the work of Project R.A.K.E., the outreach of the New London Presbyterian Church's Ground Zero Youth Ministry.

Some 12 crews were dispatched to 18 projects throughout Southern Chester County to assist in home repairs ranging from minor repairs to electrical work and remodeling a bathroon that had collapsed.

The Sun was able to catch up with a crew led by adult leaders Ken Loux and Gary Horsch at the home of Mary Dorsey, 87, of Lincoln University. Loux and Horsch were joined by teens Rob Cochran, 18; Erin McSweeney, 17; Matt Mericle, 16; and Sara Waltz, 17; who are all students at Avon Grove High School.

Dorsey was referred to them through Oxford Neighborhood Services. Their mission was to build a small exterior wheelchair ramp, as well as a portable ramp, for Dorsey to have better access to her home and other places she might frequent.

Dorsey is a bit of a local legend, known as "Mother Dorsey" for her 60-plus years of service to the Lincoln University community as both Bible School teacher and one who collects and provides clothing for those in need. She also operated a small convenience store for years. A mother of 10 and grandmother many times over, she characterizes herself as a person with "the most children and the biggest heart".

Of her community service, Dorsey said, "I prayed to the Lord, if I ever can get to a place where I can help someone in need, Lord, I will love it."

When she found herself in need, she said, "I didn't know how to get help and that help came through the Oxford Neighborhood Services and Project R.A.K.E...You got to bury that pride...the more you do the more God does for you. I feel blessed by the Lord."

Despite the age difference, Dorsey and those working on her home share many of the same views.

"I didn't have an upper middle class background," said Loux. "I lived in many homes like this one growing up. I love to go out and help and work with the kids. It helps you to understand there are people to go to when you need help and you shouldn't feel bad to ask."

Said Horsch of his work, "If we work with teenagers now, the random acts of kindness will carry on."

Mericle the youngest to work on the project also has the most Project R.A.K.E. outings under his tool belt. "This is my fourth time. I love the work, I can't think of anything I'd rather do than to use the skills I have to help others."

Interestingly enough, there is a theme running through the Project R.A.K.E. clients, which even they didn't detect at first. Most of those they help are themselves generous with their time and talents to help others, giving a more profound meaning to the phrase "random acts of kindness."

"There is a chain of giving that just keeps going, and that's what it's all about," said Waltz.-



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