Community Service...
Few may comprehend that teen community service is a part of our local ChatwithGod.org Ministries outreach program. We serve a dual program through a friend recommendation only: 1) High School 40 hours of inner city community service partnership or 1) Probation Juvenile Hall Community Service with designated hours appointed by a judge. Mega accountability and dedication go into each client. Is it worth it I'm asked....
We are an approved 5o1 (c) 3 charity since 2004 and enjoy serving-giving back in optimal ways to elderly, disabled, teen centers, etc.- painting fences, washing dishes, vacuuming, folding laundry, washing cars, light repairs, to partnering with other local charities in the area such as AIDS projects and Global Mission projects.
I don't know why I love partnering with these kids...it's a natural transition since I already have teens and I live in the west side of Costa Mesa, Inner City. I place where lots of serving can be done!
Let me introduce you to Jim. He lives in the westside...and he came to me requesting 140 hours of community service after he flipped his car on the 405 free way crashing into the guard rail. He was in awe that he walk away without a scratch. Jim had been drinking that night but was unaware that he had gone over the drinking limit and was surprised how quickly one could reach that point. Along with his parents, he is unsure why God has saved him to this point and made a promise to God to church. Along with
Jim's sentence to 140 hours of community service, there was a fine, MADD training (Mother's Against Drunk Driving), and AA (Alcohol Anonomous). Let's just say the 6-8 months we're long. But the work was done. Was he changed? I'd like to say that as he suited up in a tie at 8am, hair slicked back, with kindness on his tongue when the judges tried to wear him down through out the day...postponing the hours...delaying his meeting yet again and again...till 5 pm a assigned day in court. He was dismissed free thanking God without a fine and jail time. He was able to pursue life healthy. He was so grateful he and his family began attending the local church down the street. He told me he was going to do this. I told him to promise God and not me...it looks as though...he did!
Some days...I think...pinch me...Just Jen