The Hillsdale County Community Foundation recently announced the winter adult and youth grant awards. There were eight adult grants awarded a total of $57,000, and six youth grants awarded a total of $20,945. The money goes to non-profit organizations that assist community residents.
This year, Hillsdale College G.O.A.L. program A Few Good Men received a grant of $5,000. The group began in fall 2012 and primarily serves the elderly and needy in the community with various home and lawn repairs. However, junior Ben Holscher, director of A Few Good Men, said the organization also strives to build relationships between the college and community while raising up servant leaders on campus.
“It’s not just about doing these acts of service, but building relationships,” Holscher said. “Telling people, ‘I want to be part of your life. I want to help you because you have worth and you matter.’”
Last semester, A Few Good Men had seven work crews with 35 regular volunteers. They landscaped, painted houses, removed brush and leaves, cleaned gutters, sanded floors, and replaced windows. The group also partnered with Men of Vision, a group of elderly men who build handicap ramps in Hillsdale, and helped them by splitting wood. Holscher hopes to partner with churches, schools, and other non-profits in the future.
The grant will help A Few Good Men move forward with more projects, as half the money will be used to purchase tools and the other half for project materials.
“If someone can’t afford the paint for their house, maybe we can help match the money 50/50,” Holscher said. “Each case will be different. We will help in any way we can. I just have to verify that there is a legitimate need.”
One community member called Monday when her well pump motor froze. Because A Few Good Men had helped her in the past, she knew whom to call. Holscher and crew chief leader junior Ben Hindle were happy to respond to the call and help.
“Now with the grant, this is one example where A Few Good Men may have the opportunity to assist financially,” Hindle said.
Hindle said that he used to participate in a program similar to A Few Good Men at his last college, and that community service is the most fulfilling aspect of his school life.
“School is so much about me,” he said. “It’s good to step outside of that and help others. It’s good for the soul.”
Holscher said they are always looking for more participants, and that he is excited for the organization’s future. He said that programs like A Few Good Men put into action all the theories and ideas taught at Hillsdale College.
“We are fighting back against the modern concept that you need the government to take care of you,” he said. “This is really a conservative solution to community challenges. Let’s get together and figure it out. That’s what we used to do in America.”
tknopf@hillsdale.edu
