Ozark Mission Project is a non-profit organization based in Little Rock, Arkansas. This organization has spent over 30 years serving families in need across the state. The projects, which typically include building wheelchair ramps, exterior and interior painting, yard work, and other light home repair are completely free of charge for those we are serving. We are able to do this because of support we receive from volunteers, businesses, and our campers. Youth from across the state give a week of their summer to travel to a community in Arkansas and spend five days doing mission work.
Several years ago, I was one of these youth. I was in middle school and extremely nervous to be away from home for an entire week. However, I had no idea that this experience would transform my life and allow me to become the person I am today. My very first project was a wheelchair ramp. In the eighth grade I had absolutely no idea how to use a hammer, much less construct anything. However, the staff, my adult volunteer, and my fellow campers worked tirelessly and motivated me to do the same.We built a 25 foot wheelchair ramp in three days. I learned more teamwork skills in those three days than I had in my entire life. Not only that, I learned the importance of helping others. My neighbor, which is the name we give to those we are working for, had not been able to leave her house for almost two years. She was unable to walk, and did not have a ramp that allowed her to leave her home. If she needed to go to the doctor, someone had to carry her out of the house. As painful as this story was to me, I knew that I was suddenly a part of a solution to a problem we see all across our state. I hoped that building that ramp transformed her life, just as her story transformed mine.
I wish I could say that was the last time I ran into a situation like that. However, I have been a part of Ozark Mission Project for eight years and I see this happen constantly. The good news is, Ozark Mission Project hosts 12 camps every summer all across the state in order to eliminate these issues. This is an organization where people from all walks of life can come together for one purpose: serving others. They teach youth the importance of selflessness, they inspire our neighbors and bring them hope, and most importantly, they do all of this for the glory of God. Seeing Giving Tuesday highlight so many fantastic organizations brings a new sense of life and excitement, and I am so honored to present Ozark Mission Project as one of these organizations!
Review from #MyGivingStory