Monthly Archives: August 2014

The Neighborhood Rehab Project Day of Service is just around the corner! Join us on September 13 as we work alongside the low income, elderly or disabled to help maintain their homes in a way that keeps them safe, warm and dry. All skill levels and all ages are welcome to take part in this community event as we have a variety of needs to be met. On the morning of the 13th, we will meet at Hillside Community Church at 8:30am. From there, we will disperse throughout the Golden community, led by NRP project managers, as we go to different work sites and become “tools” for the day. We will provide coffee, juice and snacks in the morning then a boxed lunch will be provided mid-day by the City of Golden and Madgreens. This is an absolutely great day to get out, get involved and get plugged into your community! Join us and spread the word. You can register at www.beatool.org. In order to receive your free “I’m a Tool” t-shirt, sign up before September 5th.

The Rise

Turning the corner into the Golden Terrace mobile home park, I was totally caught off guard by what I saw. A woman was sitting in a lawn chair while 10 high school students gathered around her listening to her share and asking her questions. It was quite a site. For the first time in possibly a long time, this lady had an audience of young people who were interested in knowing her story and were also asked to share theirs. It was a joy to see. Oh, and by the way, they also completely remodeled this grateful woman’s front yard and brought it back to life.
This scene played several times over at different homes in the Golden Terrace community, as youth from Golden and Iowa came together to serve for two days in July for our Neighborhood Rehab Rise event. It was such a joy to watch and come along side these youth as they shared their time, energy and listening ears to these residents. Over 20 projects were completed by these kids, which ended with a “Block Party” in the mobile home park consisting of water balloons, a jumping castle, an illusionist, a band and much more as we provided a BBQ dinner for all involved. I heard over and over again what an impact these kids made.
Another grateful woman actually wrote a note to the folks who painted her home, telling them how grateful she was and how she saw God shining through them. In another example, a 20 year old girl who was raising her 26 year old down syndrome sister without a mother or father received a desperately needed water heater and a yard makeover. In all these stories, the piece that stood out to me most was: These residents felt valued and cared for. It was a blessing to see these kids work so hard this week and I personally can’t wait to be a part of future service projects with the youth from our community. Stay tuned for another similar project next summer — we would love to have you partner with us.

-Jeff Fox

5K August

Here’s a fun way to get into the holiday spirit of giving and kick off the season in a healthy way while you’re at it. Golden’s first annual BE A TOOL 5K run and 1K Elf Parade will take place on Small Business Saturday November 29th and there a lot of good reasons to put this fun event on your calendar.
For one thing, runners and walkers will be making a positive difference in the community. All proceeds from the BE A TOOL 5K will go directly toward building supplies for Golden’s Neighborhood Rehab Project which for three years has grown in its mission to provide home repair locally for those in need through its annual day-long event every September and its hundred plus volunteers.
Another good reason to be part of the fun is you can support local businesses and save on your Christmas shopping with coupons and specials retailers will be offering that day.
If that’s still not enough incentive to join friends and neighbors under the “Howdy Folks” arch in your running shoes at 8:15 a.m. that morning, maybe the pancake breakfast that will be served afterward will help get you going?
So save the date for November 29th! Registration details will be available soon.