INDIAN RIVER COUNTY – Gifford Youth Achievement Center was fortunate to receive some incredible help from Saint Edward’s School’s freshmen classes by donating their time on Nov. 1 for an annual Day of Service on its campus at 4875 43rd Ave., Gifford.
The students helped with projects that needed to be done at the Center beyond what staff has time to complete. Projects included painting the modular units; cleaning the interiors and exteriors of our bus and van; mulching around the entrance garden beds; weeding and pressure washing. The students did the work with enthusiasm and good humor even as the overcast day began to turn sunny and warm.
“One of the things our Head Mike Mersky always says is that we are a private school with a public purpose,” said Saint Edward’s School Chaplain Father Tommy Matthews. “So to that end, we feel that it is important for us, not only as community members, but also as a school, to go ahead and somehow be able to give back to the larger community. And part of that is going to different areas and helping various organizations that may not have the ability or means to do some of those things so it is a way for us to be of service.”
Father Matthews said he hoped that it also instilled the idea that it is important for them to learn to think globally as they serve locally.
Freshman Drew Sternberg felt that the Day of Service had a dual purpose, not only did it help them give back but the day also was a shared experience between classmates.
“It’s a great way to help out in any way we can to improve the look of the buildings and the grounds to make it better in the future,” said Sternberg. “But there are definitely two upsides–helping the organization and also bonding and coming together to make us more unified as a grade and as friends.”
GYAC facilities are kept clean and updated, but with just two custodial employees, it may not always be possible to cover the little extras, and add to that the issues related to the recent hurricane that are still in the process of being repaired.
“When the job is as enormous as it was today, if it were not for the youth and adults who came from St. Ed’s, we would either have to pay someone to come over or do it when the facility is closed. There is no way my custodial staff could handle that load alone,” said Director of Public Relations and Facilities Operations Freddie Woolfork.
Woolfork acknowledges his two custodians do a lot more than just clean.
“They have to drive the bus to get the students after school, pick up the supplies and also oversee all the services that take place at the facility—they have a lot on their plate.”
GYAC has been fortunate to be remembered by many volunteers and service groups like Saint Edward’s School and also the United Way of Indian River each year. Woolfork was sure to remind the students that service is also about building connections across the bridge.
“Now they know me and have been to the Center so when they see me at Publix or somewhere they remember GYAC and say, ‘Hey hello Mr. Woolfork!’ and that is how friendships happen.”
