Approximately 60 young students donned work clothes last Saturday morning with the intention of getting to the job at hand – giving back to the community by painting, building handicapped ramps and doing general cleanup work.
With Kiwanis Club members providing organizational guidance, youth groups from local churches and members of three high school Key Clubs spread out to help homeowners in need as well as the Environmental Learning Center.
It’s something Youth In Action has performed three or four times a year for the last 20 years, assisting a huge number of people. Their scope also includes Youth on a Mission, which completes projects outside the area. The group was founded by Kiwanians Al Sammartino and Richard Schlitt, leader of a youth group at St. Helen’s and owner of Schlitt Painting Services.
“It started with just one house, one project, and it has built up along the way,” said Sammartino. “We first helped at Habitat for Humanity but we wanted to be more involved to help build handicap ramps and paint houses for those in need. It has grown to include Youth on a Mission which does projects outside of Indian River with the help of many local church and youth groups.”
Vero Beach High School senior John Sutherland has been a YIA member the past five years, following in the footsteps of his brother and sister.
“Initially I did it for my school volunteer hours but after my first mission trip it has been a lot of fun and I have met a lot of great people,” said Sutherland who has gone on mission trips to Orlando, Tampa and South Carolina. “It ranges from spending time with kids at a homeless shelter to painting houses and fixing up wheelchair ramps. They are a great group of people and now we even hang out, going to the beach and other stuff too outside of YIA.”
The organization teaches the students social and people skills along with construction and work techniques, in the process building up their confidence and making them feel good about helping others.
“It has become a trite phrase but giving back by everybody is important, particularly as things get tougher and some people need a helping hand,” said George Fetterolf as he led a team of Key Club students. “I applaud the kids. I am here to show them how to do some of these things because they are going to be the leaders in the future.”
The work also brings a sense of appreciation and worth to the clients they serve.
“For many people this is the first time they have ever accepted help,” said Schlitt. “They allow us into their home and into their hearts. They see that they are not alone and that they just have to open their door to have the community come in and help. What is cool is that I am able to use my gifts which I have learned all my life to help people serve God and their neighbors by teaching the kids that they can make a difference.”
