Girl Scouts help spruce up center for homeless

Family Promise executive director says their effort had impact on all who come to the resource center

KENNETT SQUARE » Cadette Girl Scout Troop 4589, eighth- graders from Patton Middle School, spent their free time recently pulling weeds, planting fall shrubs, and cleaning up the property surrounding Family Promise Resource Center.

The executive director of Family Promise, Renna Van Oot, not only appreciated the assistance, but also took the time to explain to the girls the prevalence and seriousness of homelessness in the community.

Van Oot shared, “It makes a difference to come to the office every day and have the place look welltended, with cheerful plantings. I hope the Girl Scouts understand that it may seem like a day of weeding to them, but their efforts make an impact on everyone coming to the center. I hope they all will carry a little bit of the information I shared about the issue of homelessness with them in their awareness.”

This Girl Scout troop, led by leaders Debbie Lewis and Karen Miller, will be searching for additional community service projects for their individual Silver and Gold Awards over the next year.

“I’m really proud of the girls for working hard together despite the rain to clean out the overgrown flower beds and add some autumn beauty for the volunteers and clients of Family Promise,” said Lewis.

Family Promise of Southern Chester County helps children and their families experiencing homelessness achieve lasting self- sufficiency and stability by providing shelter, meals, and comprehensive support services through a network of congregations and volunteers.

SUBMITTED PHOTO Picturedwith Executive Director Renna Van Oot, fromleft, are Amelia Miller, Mika White, Tinley Sutch, Cassidy Albert, Sophie Kelly, Anushka Akki, Piper Coon, Katherine Lewis and Julia Baird.