Building Futures

YouthBuild Transitions from Trebuchet Participants to Contest Officials

Posted on April 14, 2016 by lewisandclarkcc

Hello all, and welcome to another Building Futures YouthBuild AmeriCorps blog post!

On April 1, 2016 Lewis and Clark Community College hosted its 9th Annual Trebuchet Contest. The goal of the Trebuchet Contest is to increase awareness in the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) fields among high school students in the ST. Louis region. The contest was one of two programs at Lewis and Clark that was awarded a prestigious grant from the National Science Foundation in 2012.

High school students participated in the 9th annual Louis and Clark Community College Trebuchet Contest. Instead of rocks, they hurled rubber balls. Teams were judged on a report, which documents their efforts and results as well as the design and history of trebuchets, CAD drawings and their performance in competition. Photo by Audrey Parsell, Lewis and Clark Community College photography intern.

In 2014, the Building Futures YouthBuild program began to compete in the Lewis and Clark 7th Annual Trebuchet Contest as participants. Building Futures does not only prepare its members to pass the GED test but to also transition into post-secondary education. Building Futures, as a subsidiary of Lewis and Clark Community College, entered YouthBuild members into the 7th Annual Trebuchet Contest to follow the lead of Lewis and Clark as it promotes STEM fields to its students transitioning into college.

Building Futures Member explores robotics at the 7th annual Trebuchet Contest.

Fast forwarding through time, the Building Futures YouthBuild program for the 9th Annual Trebuchet Contest has transitioned from participants to contest officials. Building Futures students transitioning from participants to officials has shown the dedication of the faculty in setting the bar for our members to be leaders among their peers and set an example based on academic excellence. For the 9th Annual Trebuchet Contest, Building Futures members judged teams on the distance their trebuchet could hurl a rubber ball.

Building Futures Members pose during the 2016 Trebuchet Contest with Dr. Dale Chapman, Lewis and Clark Community College President.

So what is a trebuchet and how does it work?

According to the Real World Physics Problems website, a trebuchet is a “war machine that works by using the energy of a falling (and hinged) counterweight to launch a projectile (the payload), using mechanical advantage to achieve a high launch speed.”

The operation of trebuchets can be explained by the law of physics. Real World Physics Problems also stated that “it is worth noting that the physics of the trebuchet is not unique to the trebuchet. For example, in a golf swing the same basic physics applies. In fact, you can think of a trebuchet as an upside down golf swing… A trebuchet works by using the energy of a falling (and hinged) counterweight to launch a projectile (the payload), using mechanical advantage to achieve a high launch speed.”

According to HistoryNet the word trebuchet comes from the Middle French verb trebuch, meaning ‘to tumble’ or ‘to fall over,’” which is exactly what the throwing arm of a trebuchet does when it is released.

Although the trebuchet derives its name from the French, it did not originate there. According to Wikipedia.org, the first traction trebuchets were invented by the Chinese sometime before the 4th century BC. Trebuchets were first used by the Chinese in 1161 were soldiers fired bombs of lime and sulphur against ships. Very interesting!

Until the next time signing off,

Pat Mays
YouthBuild Coordinator

“Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, what are you doing for others?” Dr. Martin Luther King.

How does (or has) your neighborhood affected you?

Posted on March 31, 2016 by lewisandclarkcc

Hello all! Welcome to another riveting Building Futures blog post!

The neighborhoods in which we live or have lived are important to us. Neighborhoods can foster either positive or negative experiences that we either look at with a sense of nostalgia or a frown of disgust. Good or bad, our neighborhoods both past and present inevitably become a part of us and are woven into the fabric of who we are to become. Our neighborhoods have a deep and lasting impression on us.

Have you ever taken the time to sit and think “How does or has your neighborhood affected you?” This question brings us to the topic of our blog today: the Building Futures Central Avenue Beautification Project.

So why would Building Futures want to beautify Central Avenue? Well, before we answer the “Why” lets answer the first question I posed “How does or has your neighborhood affected you?”

According to the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation’s A Commission to Build a Healthier America, social and economic features of neighborhoods have been linked with mortality, general health status, disability, birth outcomes, chronic conditions, health behaviors and other risk factors for chronic disease, as well as with mental health injuries, violence and other important health indicators.

Now we can answer the next question, “Why would Building Futures want to beautify Central Avenue?” Answering this question is simple. Building Futures wants to beautify Central Avenue to maximize the positive effects and minimalize the negative affects that the neighborhood can have on the residents.

Why is Building Futures concerned about any of this?

Building Futures is concerned because of the pledge that you make when you become a member. Every Building Futures staff member and student takes a pledge, a pledge that is recited every morning, a pledge I have had the fortune to repeat daily for four years now! The pledge is as follows:

BUILDING FUTURES YOUTHBUILD PLEDGE
We, the members of Building Futures YouthBuild, pledge that we are working together to improve and rebuild our community, as a sustainable entity, implementing green strategies, methods, and materials; to relate to each other in cooperative ways; to develop our potential as leaders; to discover meaningful career pathways; to educate and improve ourselves and help others along the way; to respect our peers, neighbors, and all life; to be part of a great movement for justice, equality, and peace. All this we will do with compassion and dignity.

So you now understand how your neighborhood can impact residents, why Building Futures wants to beautify Central Avenue and the pledge that Building Futures has taken.

The goal of the Central Avenue Beautification Project is to identify the repair and beautification needs with the property owners and to help them meet those needs. At this time, the projected scope of work for most properties along Central Avenue will involve landscaping, structural repair, and painting or cleaning. Our expectation is that this will be an exciting partnership with the residents along Central Avenue and of benefit for all.

We will be starting at Central Circle and ending at a vacant lot on East 4th street where we plan to build a Pocket Park. The pocket park will feature raised garden beds and sitting areas as well as a community library box. Our work will effectively result in a much needed facelift for the street and, if successful, lead to other projects of this type in the Alton area.

We expect a large percentage of Central Avenue property owners will be willing to participate as Building Futures YouthBuild will be providing labor for the repairs free of charge. Any and all assistance is welcome.

This is a significant undertaking but one well worth the effort. In order for this project to reach its full potential, we are seeking assistance from those in the community. If you or your organization would like to participate or provide aid and or resources, please contact the following:

Sabrina Davis
Director
Building Futures YouthBuild/ AmeriCorps
sdavis@lc.edu
(618) 468-4150
5800 Godfrey Rd.
Godfrey, IL 62035

Dustin S. Massie
Adult Education Pathways Navigator
Building Futures YouthBuild/ AmeriCorps
dsmassie@lc.edu
(618) 468-4158
5800 Godfrey Rd.
Godfrey, IL 62035

Until the next time- Signing off!

Pat Mays,
YouthBuild Coordinator

Kudos to Mario Mendoza, YouthBuild’s Newest Mentor

Posted on February 25, 2016 by lewisandclarkcc

Welcome to the Building Futures YouthBuild AmeriCorps blog!

Building Futures has many students with remarkable stories that are truly news worthy. Every Building Futures student shares a story of adversity, perseverance, determination and courage to succeed in life. Although every student’s story has a common thread, some individuals have very unique stories that deserve to be highlighted for the world to read.

In January 2015, Building Futures entered into a collaborative partnership with the Pere Marquette Illinois Youth Center (IYC). The Illinois Youth Center mission is to preserve public safety by reducing recidivism. Youth incarcerated in the department’s care receive individualized services provided by qualified staff who gives them the skills to become productive citizens.

The Building Futures/Pere Marquette collaborative experimental pilot project was designed to assist juvenile youth offenders in furthering their education, while incarcerated at the youth correctional facility. The Building Futures/Pere Marquette partnership began with two students. I am proud to announce that today’s blog post highlights one of those students and his unique story of adversity, perseverance, determination and courage to succeed in life: Mario Mendoza!

Mario Mendoza

Mario grew up in a gang-infested neighborhood. Due to negative choices, he ended up at the Pere Marquette Illinois Youth Center at the age of 15. When first entering Pere Marquette, Mario continued his negative behavior until he was given a chance to obtain his GED through the Building Futures/Pere Marquette partnership.

Since entering the Building Futures program, Mario has completed his GED, received his PACT certificate and earned his AmeriCorps Education Award. He has transformed into a leader among his peers, presenting a positive behavior. Mario contributes part of his positive behavior change to his exposure to the Building Futures mentoring program.

Mario works with other YouthBuild students.

Building Futures’ goal with mentoring is to ensure that mentored youth complete the program, enter college, receive increased credentials, provide higher levels of service and provide leadership to their communities. In return, we hope the mentored become active community members and youth mentors themselves.

In recalling one of his memories of the Building Futures mentoring program, Mario said, “My mentor said it was okay that I messed up, and I could change things around. He said it was not the end of the world. As long as I didn’t make those mistakes again, I would be alright.”

Mario is now in an intern with Building Futures. He will begin to function as a mentor to future students entering the Building Futures program. When asked what his future mentoring message to other students will be, he said, “Gang banging and going down the wrong path is not the place to go, because it’s not going to take you anywhere in life.”

What makes Mario’s story a success is that he accomplished most of his certifications while incarcerated and attending Building Futures. Subsequently, he has been released from the juvenile detention center and is currently participating in his second semester of college majoring in Automotive Technology.

Mario works on a car at L&C.

Mario, reflecting on the time that has passed and where his life is currently and states, said, “It feels good that I am going to college, because I know I will get something out of it. Out of everyone I grew up with, there are only two of us that are going to college, and I have become someone that people from my neighborhood look up to. My family is proud of me and wants me to continue on this path. In the future, I want to complete the Automotive Technology associates degree and own my own shop. I would also like to work within construction, hopefully becoming a part of the union.”

Until the next time- Signing off!

Pat Mays,
YouthBuild Coordinator

“Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, what are you doing for others?”
~ Dr. Martin Luther King

YouthBuild Partners with Habitat for Humanity to Host Trivia Fundraiser

Posted on February 4, 2016 by lewisandclarkcc

Hello all! Welcome to the first 2016 Building Futures blog post! I would like to begin by thanking everyone who followed and tuned into the first ever Building Futures blog, which began in September of 2015.

As we begin a new year, Building Futures is beginning a new cohort of students and hitting the ground running. New students are being introduced to the Building Futures philosophy of service by giving back to our community, self-actualization and empowerment through leadership development, and gaining employable skills through training in facilities maintenance. Of course, let me not forget about the rigorous and high quality GED preparation coursework that our excellent instructors have developed for our students as well.

For the start of 2016, Building Futures is reconnecting with a long time partner Lewis and Clark Habitat for Humanity Alton Area Chapter. For those of you who don’t know, Habitat for Humanity is an organization dedicated to providing affordable housing for low income families. Habitat for Humanity has been a key partner for Building Futures developing a symbiotic relationship. The symbiotic relationship that has been developed through the Habitat for Humanity and Building Futures partnership is centered on civic engagement and providing affordable housing.

This 2015 Habitat for Humanity home was built on Wallace St. in Alton, Illinois.

Although Building Futures is not directly involved in providing affordable housing through this partnership, Building Future’s students have been able to apply their facilities maintenance skills and building training, working on Habitat for Humanity homes.

This is how a South Roxana Habitat Home looked before rehab work.

The type of work that Building Futures students conduct while working on Habitat for Humanity homes are Blueprint Reading, Carpentry Skills, Electricity Principles, Plumbing Principles, Construction Measurement, Painting /Drywall Repair, Landscaping and Weatherization.

This is how a South Roxana Habitat Home looked before rehab work.

The work that the Habitat for Humanity and Building Futures partnership has produced changes the lives of each family that Habitat for Humanity provides affordable housing. Each new family that moves into a Habitat for Humanity home has a chance at a new beginning and is provided with a sense of ownership and self-empowerment. Ownership and self-empowerment is derived from the Habitat for Humanity strategy of “Sweat Equity.” Habitat for Humanity does not simply give a family a home but requires that each family commit to 400 hours of labor (aka Sweat Equity) themselves in the building of the home.

Jacqueisha Howard explains what it meant to her to work with Habitat for Humanity and Building Futures:

“I believe the work that Building Futures does is very beneficial to the community. First, it helps others to know that good is being done in their community not just when disaster strikes like a hurricane or something, as someone put it when I told them about Youth Build. And secondly, now we feel like we are part of the neighborhood instead of just the new house on the corner.”

YouthBuild AmeriCorps members pose with homeowner Jaqueisha Howard after a hard day of work.

In their efforts to provide services for low income families, Habitat for Humanity conducts fundraisers to help cover the costs for providing affordable housing to Alton area residents. Habitat for Humanity in conjunction with Lewis and Clark Community College and Building Futures YouthBuild will be hosting a Trivia night at L&C March 12, 2016. The tickets are $15 each or $120 for a table. There will be basket raffles, 50/50 and other opportunities for people to win door prizes. Feel free to bring your own snacks, a cash bar will be provided.

According to Habitat for Humanity, your donation will help families break the cycle of poverty and build long-term financial security. With an affordable, stable home, families have more to spend on food, medicine, child care, education and other essentials. Your support can help us do more in all the many ways that Habitat builds.

Please join Building Futures and Habitat for Humanity and support an Alton area family!

Until the next time – signing off,
Pat Mays
YouthBuild Coordinator

“Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, what are you doing for others?”
~ Dr. Martin Luther King

Happy Holidays from YouthBuild

Posted on December 21, 2015 by lewisandclarkcc

As 2015 draws to an end, it is time to think about the ways in which we can help one another in times of adversity and support one another in times of triumph. The above video illustrates just a few of the ways YouthBuild is impacting lives within our community.

May you be inspired by acts of volunteerism and kindness throughout this holiday season and into the new year. Happy Holidays from Building Futures YouthBuild at Lewis and Clark Community College.

All Students Need Mentors

Posted on December 8, 2015 by lewisandclarkcc

mentoring

Hello and welcome to another Lewis and Clark Community College Building Futures YouthBuild AmeriCorps blog post!

All Building Futures staff are trained to be caring mentors for students, while they are in the program. In addition, in order to provide adequate adult support for Building Futures graduates transitioning into employment or college, YouthBuild USA has developed a mentoring model to engage adult volunteers in 15-month mentoring relationships to assist students during this transition.

Building Futures has obtained YouthBuild USA funds from the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP) to create this mentoring model. YouthBuild USA’s goal is to use the OJJDP funds to increase outcomes in program completion and academic achievement for youth and reduce delinquency as well as increase access to quality mentoring. Through this model, Building Futures has been able to provide students with mentoring matches that have been made and supported outside of Building Futures staff.

Building Future’s goal, in addition to YouthBuild USA’s of this work, is to ensure that mentored youth complete the program, enter college, receive increased credentials, provide higher levels of service and leadership to their communities, and in return become mentors themselves.

This brings us to our topic for today of how mentors recently assisted students to complete a service learning and leadership project at the St. Louis District Army Corps of Engineers in West Alton, Illinois.

YouthBuild students repair a wooden deck near the Mississippi River.

For those of you clueless as to what the Army Corps of Engineers does, I will enlighten you!

Let’s begin with a brief history lesson. According the US Army Corps of Engineers website, the Mighty Mississippi River, which is more than 2,200 miles long, is the second longest river in the United States and the third largest river basin in the world, exceeded in size only by the Amazon and Congo basins.

During the 19th Century, the rich timber resources lining the riverbanks was used to build rapidly expanding settlements and fuel the steamboat’s boilers, and cleared for agricultural purposes; the great forests were decimated. The riverbanks then became less stable and rapidly deteriorated, and the river widened, making the Mississippi shallower and more difficult to navigate greatly affecting the transportation of goods.

Loggers remove trees from the banks of the Mississippi River. Photo courtesy of the Army Corps of Engineers

In 1880, Congress directed the Corps of Engineers to correct the disastrous condition of the river by creating and maintaining a safe and dependable navigation channel and returning the river to its once majestic condition.

After many years the Army Corps of Engineers aided in the middle Mississippi river being restored to its original size. In the 21st Century, the Army Corps of Engineers is still performing the duty of maintaining the Mississippi river and one of the dominant modes of transportation of goods; America’s waterways.

Wing dams on the Mississippi River, 1891. Photo courtesy of the Army Corps of Engineers

So what does the Army Corps of Engineers have to do with Building Futures and mentoring?

The Army Corps of Engineers has been a long time Building Futures service project partner allowing our students the opportunity to apply skills they have learned in our construction lab in practical applications that benefit our community. The Army Corps of Engineers had a wooden deck that overlooks the banks of the Mississippi that needed to be rehabbed.

YouthBuild students repair a wooden deck near the Mississippi River.

Building Futures students performed the task of rehab by measuring, cutting and replacing the wooden boards of the deck, which meant more than 500 boards were replaced. Building Futures mentors assisted the students in staining the wood. Mentors participated in this service projects alongside students in support for students to gain AmeriCorps education awards. AmeriCorps education awards are scholarships awarded to students after they have completed 450 hours of community service. Then, the students are awarded $1,515.55 to go towards the expenses of attending college.

YouthBuild students help restore a wooden deck overlooking the Mississippi River.

Many of us have had mentors in one way or another throughout our lifetime. We have all had people who have given us advice and aided us throughout our journey. The Building Futures students are no different. These students are transitioning throughout life and trying to make good out of a situation that most people deem bad: dropping out of high school.

There are many different reasons why individuals drop out of high school and not all of them are under the individuals’ control. These students need help, support and advice just like everyone else. These students are not lost causes, but instead they are successful people in the making.

There are many successful people who have gotten their GED including: Dr. Richard Carmona (17^th Surgeon General of the US), Dr. Story Musgrave (the only astronaut to have flown on all 5 space shuttles), Ruth Ann Minner (2001 Delaware Governor), Dave Thomas (Founder of Wendy’s), Wally Amos (Amos Cookies), Greg Mathis (Lawyer/Judge/TV Judge), and Peter Jennings (ABC News Anchor and Foreign Correspondent) just to name a few.

Dr. Story Musgrave earned his GED while in the Marine Corps. He now has 7 graduate degrees in math, computers, chemistry, medicine, physiology, literature and psychology.

YouthBuild USA, through OJJDP funding, is giving programs like Building Futures the opportunity to provide mentors to the doctors, lawyers, teachers and future leaders of tomorrow. Building Futures is now able to provide students with a support system of individuals outside of faculty members that are invested in the well-being and success of our students. Mentors go above and beyond the call of duty, even assisting our students in the community service activities like the Army Corps of Engineers deck rehab, lead by example and let students know that even as adults it is important to give back.

Andrea Lamer Executive Director of YWCA of Alton commented on her experiences mentoring Building Futures students.

“The best learning experiences we have are those moments when we share what we know with others,” Andrea said. “When we find youth that are ready to listen and try new things, it’s our responsibility to recognize and invest in them.”

If you’re interested in becoming a mentor and making a change in a young person’s life please contact the me at (618) 468-4159. I look forward to your phone call.

Until the next time signing off……

Pat Mays
Community Services Coordinator

“Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, what are you doing for others?”
~ Dr. Martin Luther King

Building Futures while Honoring the Past

Posted on December 1, 2015 by lewisandclarkcc

Today Building Futures will take you on a trip down memory lane with the Alton Museum of History and Art (AMHA).

The AMHA has been a long time Building Futures partner, providing AmeriCorps members opportunities to utilize their learned facilities maintenance skills. The experience for our members has been invaluable as every project they work on can be used as volunteer working experience that can be used on their resumes to obtain employment after they receive their GED. In this manner, not only is AMHA a vessel to house Alton’s rich history, but it is also contributing to the development of the future leaders that will make future history in this community.

Let’s begin by giving you a little history about the Alton Museum of History and Art, shall we?

The AMHA was founded in 1971 to preserve the rich history of the Alton community. Through each exhibit it is the goal of the AMHA to share with each visitor the past and present and introduce you to people, places and events that have and continue to shape our area. The AMHA resides in Loomis Hall located on the dental school campus across from the Robert Wadlow Statue.

The Robert Wadlow statue is located across the road from the Alton Museum of History and Art. Photo from Sculpted Portrait’s Blog

Often times I pass by seeing visitors taking pictures next to the statue, but I wonder how many actually know there is an interesting exhibit about him right across the street detailing his full life in depth.

According to the AMHA, Loomis Hall, which is the oldest building in the state of Illinois that has been continuously dedicated to education, was built in 1832 by Baptists, as the first building in what was to become Shurtleff College.

Within this museum you can find the Classroom Gallery which displays the art accomplishments of area citizens; the Wadlow Room, which tells the story of the tallest man in the world; and the Pioneer Room, which describes the exploits of Lewis & Clark. You can also find information on the Wood River Massacre, the Lincoln & Shields Duel, the Confederate Prison at Alton and the black pioneers, who settled this area.

The Koenig House is located at 829 East Fourth Street in Alton. Photo from AMHA

The AMHA also maintains The Koenig House, which is located on 4^th St. and Oak St. in Alton. The Koenig House was built in 1887 by a German American Engineer who was employed by the Illinois Glass Company. The house was designed by Lucas Pfeiffenberger, a well-known architect from the St. Louis area. The home was occupied for several generations by the original owners until given to the AMHA.

The Koenig House’s first floor is still typically furnished as how living quarters for a family of the 1900’s would look. Photo from AMHA

The Koenig House is also featured on the Alton Area Landmarks Association Fall Historic House Tour if you are interested in exploring all of what the Koenig House has to offer.

The Koenig House was the site of the most recent activity that Building Futures has done in partnership with AMHA. Oct. 12, in the lot behind the Koenig House, Building Futures members cleared debris, pulled vines off the fence and mowed the lot.

One would ask what is really the significance of all this work? What’s the big deal about students clearing out an empty lot at a historic home?

Well to begin with, it teaches our students the importance of giving back, caring about the aesthetics of your community but also becoming social conscious about the cares of others.

All of our students may not be history fanatics or appreciate the value of “some old house” as some of our students so poetically coin it. But our students have recognized the value of what it means to other people when individuals see the dramatic difference in appearance of the property and how their eyes light up.

In addition, the work that the students have done is even more significant when you take into account that the lot will be used by Saint Claire’s Hospital as a meditation garden for patients. Meditation gardens can take many different forms, but their primary purpose is to provide a beautiful and therapeutic place for relaxation, rejuvenation, and meditation.

So, see if you look deeper you will begin to realize that a small step in volunteerism goes a long way like throwing a pebble in a lake and watching the ripples it will create.

Join Building Futures and the AMHA; become a pebble and create a ripple in someone else’s life.

For more information, to schedule a visit or support the Alton Museum of History and Art, visit www.altonmuseum.com. The AMHA is a non for profit organization which depends on membership dues, gifts, bequests and foundation grants to help preserve and tell the story of the individuality of the community which it serves.

Until next time!
Pat Mays
YouthBuild Coordinator

Join YouthBuild Members and Volunteer Locally

Posted on November 5, 2015 by lewisandclarkcc

Welcome to the Building Futures YouthBuild AmeriCorps blog!

If you are a returning and avid reader of the Building Futures blog you are familiar with our member’s commitment to volunteerism. If you are new to our blogs, you will begin to pick up on a reoccurring theme demonstrated by this post and pictures, which illustrate just how the Building Futures young adults are very active in bettering their communities. That’s what the AmeriCorps of Building Futures is all about – giving back to your community and serving others.

October 21, 2015 Building Futures participated in the Illinois National Service Recognition Day in Springfield. The National Service Recognition Day was a time not only in Illinois but nationwide where AmeriCorps programs were recognized for their commitment to service.

The National Service Recognition Day was held by the Serve Illinois Commission. According to serve.Illinois.gov, the Serve Illinois Commission is a 40 member (25 voting and 15 non-voting), bi-partisan board appointed by the now Governor Bruce Rauner. Its mission is to improve Illinois communities by enhancing volunteerism and instilling an ethic of service throughout the State.

The Commission is accomplishing this mission through the support of local community-based efforts to enhance volunteer opportunities and the administration of Illinois’ AmeriCorps program. The Serve Illinois Commission funds 26 AmeriCorps programs across the state with approximately 1,700 AmeriCorps member positions. These members serve 60 counties in more than 300 host sites.

The commission’s vision is to create an atmosphere where volunteering becomes the norm, and citizens realize they have the ability to effectively change their communities. The commission works to expand volunteer opportunities throughout rural, suburban and urban Illinois, and involve all citizens of Illinois regardless of race, age, gender or abilities.

L&C YouthBuild students attend the Illinois National Service Recognition Day in Springfield, Oct. 21.

L&C Building Futures services individuals, between the ages of 16-24, were the youngest AmeriCorps organization members in attendance. This is an example of the commitment of Lewis and Clark Community College as the sponsor of the Building Futures program in changing the lives of young adults and the community.

L&C YouthBuild students pose for a group photo at the Illinois National Service Recognition Day in Springfield.

Building Futures member Margaret Wisnasky engaged the audience in a riveting speech about her experiences as an AmeriCorps member, during the event. Margaret bravely spoke in front of hundreds of people.

L&C YouthBuild student, shown here after volunteering, Margaret Wisnasky engaged the Illinois National Service Recognition Day audience in a riveting speech about her experiences as an AmeriCorps member.

Margaret has grown to be a leader and spokesperson for the Building Futures program, informing supporters and the general public about what it means to be a Building Futures member.

In addition to conducting the National Service Day for AmeriCorps members, the Serve Illinois Commission has named 2015 as the “Year of the Volunteer in Illinois,” identifying Illinois citizens as the difference makers. So, even if you are not an AmeriCorps member, you can still make a difference, you can have an impact and you can be a part of a positive change.

According to serve.illinois.gov, the 2013 Volunteering and Civic Life in America report shows that 2.57 million Illinoisans demonstrated their commitment to improving their communities by volunteering. This ranks Illinois the top volunteering state out of the eight most populated states. Volunteerism throughout Illinois will increase during the year by celebrating community service and connecting and strengthening the already extensive network of organizations involved in service.

Even though we are drawing near to the end of the 2015 year, there are still opportunities for you to make a difference. Thanksgiving and Christmas are around the corner. Volunteering is as simple as contacting local food pantries, churches or faith based organizations, or googling volunteer opportunities in your city. Please join Building Futures and the Serve Illinois Commission to change Illinois into a better place for every resident.

Pat Mays
YouthBuild Coordinator

“Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, what are you doing for others?”
~ Dr. Martin Luther King

YouthBuild Joins Alton Greater United & Rebuilding Together to Weatherize Homes

Posted on October 30, 2015 by lewisandclarkcc

Welcome once again to the Builiding Futures YouthBuild AmeriCorps blog!

As the cold front approaches us and we start to pack away those warm weather clothes (and activities) until next spring, people, somewhat like bears, retreat into their homes to hibernate. Unless you are person who loves cold weather, most people are packing on the layers and running for shelter, spending less time outdoors and more time indoors.

With the cold front in mind, Building Futures continues their service of the community by partnering with Greater Alton United and Rebuilding Together. Greater Alton United is composed of members from various non-profits, who have a common interest in improving the quality of life in the Alton area. Greater Alton United deals with issues including but not limited to: youth and education, environment and sustainability, beautification, and economic and community development.

Recently, Alton Greater United was awarded $15,000 dollars to complete weatherization work to 15 homes. Alton Greater United has partnered with Rebuilding Together to perform the scope of work. Rebuilding Together works to preserve affordable home ownership and revitalize neighborhoods by performing home repairs and renovations free of charge to residents. Building Futures will work in conjunction with Rebuilding Together on two of these homes.

YouthBuild students work on weatherizing a door.

So what is this weatherization work that Building Futures will be performing? We will begin by examining exactly what is weatherization. First I’ll give you the technical jargon and then I’ll break it down in layman terms.

According Wikipedia, weatherization or weatherproofing is the practice of protecting a building and its interior from the elements, particularly from sunlight and cold and modifying a building to reduce energy consumption and optimize energy efficiency.

Image Source: All in One Insulation

So why is weatherization so important, and what does it have to do with sunlight and cold weather? Well let’s put our chemistry hats on while I explain… Weatherization and energy efficiency equates to coolness in the summer and heat in the winter demonstrated in the picture above. The more energy efficient your home is the better it will hold the heat you need to keep you warm during these winter months, which are fast approaching.

Heat is transferred in three ways but for the sake of this blog we will only deal with one, convection.

According to Edinformatics, convection is the transfer of heat from hot places to cold places. Convection occurs when warmer areas of a gas rise to cooler areas in the gas. Cooler gas then takes the place of the warmer areas, which have risen higher. This results in a continuous circulation pattern. The picture below is a physical representation of your home and how the convection process works.

Image Source: Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis, Inc.

As promised, in layman terms, your house releases hot air out of your home and lets in cold air in a continuous cycle. The more energy efficient your home is the less cold air will seep in and the less hot air will be released. The more air you keep in the less your bill is a month! The more air you let out the more energy you will use to keep your house warm, hence increasing your bill, which we can all do without.

The weatherization work that Building Futures performed included, replacing interior doors and storm doors; replacing drop steps and weather stripping around the front and back doors; securing windows shut in basement; replacing railing on back porch; replacing a 4-foot-by-8-foot decking on back porch, replacing 12 steps and handrails; bracketing the roof to house; and hanging three 32-inch storm doors.

To learn more about weatherizing your home, visit www.energy.gov.

I hope you have enjoyed this short lesson on the transfer of heat and the importance of maximizing your homes energy efficiency.

Until the next time signing off…

Pat Mays
YouthBuild Coordinator

“Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, what are you doing for others?”
~ Dr. Martin Luther King

Another Day, Another YouthBuild Service Project

Posted on October 20, 2015 by lewisandclarkcc

L&C instructor Scott Moss teaches students about sustainable landscaping, while installing a bioswale on L&C’s Godfrey campus.

Hello all, and welcome to another Building Futures YouthBuild AmeriCorps Blog post!

Building Futures continued their AmeriCorps service projects by working in conjunction with the Restoration Ecology and Storm Water Management Program at Lewis and Clark Community College.

For returning readers, that department should ring a bell. For all you newbies to the Building Futures blog, if you don’t know how those programs are affiliated with YouthBuild, don’t feel bad. I’ll catch you up to speed with a brief explanation.

Scott Moss, the coordinator for the Restoration and Ecology Department at Lewis and Clark Community College, assisted Building Futures members in designing a cost efficient, native landscape for local Habitat for Humanity homeowners. Moss drew up property plans that allowed the students to see the natural flow of water to the property. He then taught the students about different storm water management options, and plants that are native to the area.

L&C Instructor Scott Moss teaches students about Restoration Ecology.

I know what you’re thinking! What is restoration ecology? I’ll save you from a Google search, because I’m such a sweet and caring guy. Restoration ecologists repair damaged lands, habitat and ecosystems, and manage these environments in sustainable natural areas, wetlands and urban environments. Get it? Got it? GOOD! Ok, moving forward…

If you haven’t visited Lewis and Clark Community College, you may have not seen the new environmentally friendly parking lot. The Haskell parking lot was closed this summer and recently reopened for use, because of an excavation project which includes the installation of pervious pavers.

The Haskell parking lot was closed this summer, while pervious pavers were installed.

If you don’t feel like Googling all of this information just take my word for it, it’s a kind of big deal! The college was awarded an Illinois Green Infrastructure Grant (IGIG) to deploy new water retention strategies in the Haskell Parking Lot area to address surface runoff.

This green infrastructure improvement helps to absorb and infiltrate much of the untreated surface water runoff from the Haskell Hall parking lot and reduce the ground flow of sediment and contaminants from reaching Piasa Creek via a stream (unofficially named China Creek) that runs through the back of campus. Lewis and Clark tends to stay at the cutting edge of green initiatives and beautification strategies. This is just another example.

Another part of the project, Radiating Waves is a functional and educational demonstration bioswale, which are shallow constructed depressions, similar to ditches but with more environmental design. Bioswales are useful for slowing the velocity of storm water runoff. Radiating Waves further filters storm water before it reaches Piasa Creek. YouthBuild students, along with guidance from Scott Moss, recently helped build the bioswale, which is located behind Erikson, L&C administrative building.

YouthBuild students help construct the bioswale Radiating Waves.

The plants Building Futures assisted the Restoration Ecology Department in planting are facultative wetland plants that will be able to tolerate the cool wet conditions of winter and the hot, sunny and dry conditions of summer. Building Futures also assisted in installing metal structures, which will hold the water in three pools, each with about a six-inch difference in elevation and the capability of holding or slowing down thousands of gallons of water that would normally rush off the site and flush down to China Creek, creating an erosion problem.

Building Futures also helped install these metal structures, which will hold the water in three pools.

Other features of the work Building Futures assisted with includes an emergency outlet for abnormally large rain events, a sediment/trash trap to catch parking lot debris and some educational signage, lighting and decorative landscape features to create a sense of place and improve visual sight lines. This project, in conjunction with several others on campus, is part of a continuing effort to improve the Rocky Fork/Piasa Creek watershed as it enters the Mississippi River.

I don’t know about you but I’m definitely blown away by the educational moment we shared in today’s Building Future’s blog. This is just another example of why I feel so privileged to be a part of Building Futures. Take notice of the important work students are doing and the new things they (and everyone else) are learning about. Because of their efforts, lives (and environments) are changed for the better!

Until the next time signing off,

Pat Mays
YouthBuild Coordinator

“Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, what are you doing for others?” Dr. Martin Luther King.