Find a Class Near You!

Matthew Shigihara

Our graduates keep making a difference in the lives of others in their families and communities.

Today I participated in what is called "Building Together". It is a program that assists elderly and immobile people with fixing up their homes. The project is broken out into 3 stages. Stage one advertise and request applications, then narrow the applications down to about 65 home owners. Stage two is to go out and assess the homes on the type of repairs needed and identify those applications to about 40 homes. Stage three is a 5-day work week with students to paint, repair, re-roof, etc., the 40 selected homes. I participated in stage two with approximately 30 other volunteers (15 from Lionakis Beaumont). It was a 6 hour event during the work week in which myself and others took part of our own time off to assist this organization.

The real benefit is that I felt like I am giving not only something back to the community, but to specific individuals that I met.

Although it was difficult to experience how some individuals lived, and in the conditions that they lived, it made me feel very fortunate to have the up-bringing and education that I have experienced in my life. I believe that those we met and talked to felt greatful that we were there to assess their house, we still could not guarantee that their home would be chosen because of the selection process still remaining. I believe that those we met actually appreciated the company for the short time we were there. In the end, I believe the people that need the help will receive it.

The real benefit is that I felt like I am giving not only something back to the community, but to specific individuals that I met. Some of the older ladies remind me of my grandmother, which by the way, I will now send a little gift to let her know that I am thinking of her.

Matthew Shigihara (Team 387)

« Back to Making A Difference