In Tacoma, Washington, juvenile offenders are making a promise to turn their lives around, thanks to a program that’s teaching them to build boats – and much, much more. They’re enrolled in a program called Tacoma Community Boat Builders.
“I’m creating something,” said Isaiah, who’s 16 years old and learning how to build boats. He’s creating something with his hands, with his heart, with every bit of conviction he can muster. This is Isaiah’s way of telling the world and telling himself, “I can do better. And I promise, I will.”
“I just come here and hang out, and build boats. I work on wood.”
And he’s working on himself.
“I got into trouble with the law. I got charged with possession of marijuana.”
Tacoma Community Boat Builders teams up with Pierce County’s Juvenile Detention Center with this program for “at risk” kids; juvenile offenders try their hands at building character and confidence…and yes, boats too.
Volunteer Paul Birkey enjoys giving back, and mentoring the teens. We watched a tender moment when he praised Isaiah for his hard work.
“You represent well,” he told Isaiah. “For one thing you show up. And that’s important in your whole life.”
Every Thursday afternoon the teens go to a 4,200-square-foot building in Tacoma where you can find any tool you’ll ever need to build a boat. Ten volunteers. Twelve teens. One mission. It’s to build a future that looks a lot different from their past.
“Mainly it’s to get a glimpse of what success looks like,” Birkey added.
They learn that if they keep their promise to show up, work hard, and work as a team, they’ll have something to show for it. A wooden boat they build with their own hands, and that feeling of accomplishment that they did it.
The volunteers are a big part of the success of the program. Tacoma Community Boat builders is always looking for folks in the industry willing to spend a few hours a week to mentor the teens. For more information you can go to Tacomaboatbuilders.org.
Courtesy of www.king5.com
