Servants Inc. volunteers complete local home repair projects

Building a deck, repairing a porch and redoing a bathroom floor were just some of the projects completed recently by volunteers with Servants Inc., a nonprofit ministry that helps homeowners in need with home repairs and construction projects.

The work was completed during a mini work camp that ran from April 27 through 29 as part of a new initiative called ReNew Lancaster.

The host site for the program was St. John's Center United Church of Christ in East Earl. Each morning of the camp began at the church, where volunteers and Servants Inc. staff members enjoyed breakfast prepared by church members and a devotional. Participants also received a packed lunch and picked up tools and materials before heading to their assigned work sites.

The work camp concluded with a celebration dinner for all volunteers and homeowners on April 29.

About 20 volunteers completed the work. Participants were mostly from New Holland and East Earl, as well from the York area, where Servants Inc. is based. "This particular group (included) a lot of retired individuals who wanted to serve and give back," said John Feldmann, director of volunteer engagement for Servants Inc.

As part of the ministry, homeowners looking to have repairs done are asked to apply to receive assistance. "People reach out to us about repair needs in their homes and we go out to their homes to see if we can help or assist them with volunteers," said Feldmann. "Once we determine that we can (help), we put them on a waiting list."

The ministry serves senior citizens, single parents and disabled homeowners. "The majority of clients we work with - about 80% - are older adults, most of whom are on a fixed income and not able to afford to hire a contractor to come and do their work for them," noted Feldmann.

The organization is always in need of additional volunteers. "We have an application and liability release that volunteers need to fill out," explained Feldmann. "We have project managers that lead the project (by) helping guide (less-experienced) volunteers. We do our best to pair volunteers with projects they are capable of doing or have adequate leadership on-site."

A highlight of the ministry is volunteer interactions with the homeowners. "We are trying to build relationships with people. We encourage volunteers and homeowners to get together and connect," Feldmann said. "(During the mini work camp), two or three of the homeowners had great conversations with the team."

In addition to its home repair services, Servants Inc. sends recovery teams to areas of the United States hit by natural disasters. It also sponsors international trips where volunteers work with established missionaries and local leaders. The mission of Servants Inc. is "to share God's love through acts of service."

To learn more about the organization, including volunteer opportunities, visit http://www.servants.org or call 717-378-0336. More information is also available at http://www.facebook.com/ServantsInc.