Making a Difference: Our Ember Project team with Safe Place for Youth

At LumenSparQ, we believe in the power of community and the ability of individuals to create positive change. This month, we had the opportunity to collaborate with Safe Place for Youth (S.P.Y.) for Lighthouse Volunteer Day. Our dedicated Ember project team, consisting of middle schoolers Phoebe, Lily, and Fia, joined forces with other volunteers to transform a new house into a safe and welcoming home for 15 teens facing housing insecurity. We are excited to share the inspiring details of our impactful day!

Left to right: Phoebe, Lily, and Fia meet with SPY staff Karina and Thea
Left to right: Phoebe, Lily, and Fia meet with SPY staff Karina and Thea

One of the fundamental aspects of establishing a safe environment is ensuring comfortable living conditions. The Ember Project grant played a crucial role in this by providing bedding and towels for the new house. As our student team arrived at the site, they immediately got to work, channeling their energy into preparing the home for its future occupants.

Phoebe, Lily, and Fia enthusiastically engaged in preparing the beds and setting up the bathrooms, transforming empty rooms into cozy and inviting spaces. Taking care of these essential tasks provides stability and comfort for the teenagers who will soon call this place home.

A well-stocked kitchen is the heart of any home, and our team recognized the importance of ensuring the new residents had access to nourishing food. Together with other volunteers, they diligently organized donated goods, filling the refrigerator and kitchen cabinets with essential supplies. Their efforts guaranteed that the teens would have a place to find sustenance and gather with friends around a shared meal.

Education and personal growth are vital for young minds. Our Founder, John Umekubo, helped to organize the bookshelf with donated books. With a new mini-library in the house, the teens can explore new worlds, expand their knowledge, and discover the joy of reading. John also worked with others to assemble and prepare the beds.

John and Karina building beds.
Founder John Umekubo worked with SPY staffer Karina to build beds.

Recognizing the importance of an outdoor space for rejuvenation and reflection, other volunteers planted vibrant plants in the garden surrounding the house. This touch of greenery will provide an opportunity for the residents to connect with nature and find solace amidst their challenging circumstances.

Understanding the impact of small gestures on well-being, our student team went the extra mile to dress up the bathrooms. By adding decorative touches and personal care items, they aimed to create an environment that not only met the teens’ basic needs but also fostered a sense of dignity and pride.

Our collaboration with Safe Place for Youth during Lighthouse Volunteer Day was a memorable experience that exemplified the power of collective action. This small community of volunteers made a significant impact in preparing a new home for these unhoused teens. They transformed an empty space into a warm, inviting environment where these young individuals can find stability, comfort, and support.

We are grateful for the opportunity to work with organizations like Safe Place for Youth, and we are inspired by the unwavering commitment of individuals who share our vision of creating a better world. Together, we can make a lasting difference in the lives of those in need and empower them to overcome adversity.

Together, let us continue to illuminate lives and spark positive change in our communities.

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