By: Shannon Mo
Service is one of the most rewarding and impactful ways to support your local
community. It allows you to gain new skills, meet new people, find your passions, and
above all, help those in need. As an Eagle Scout, I have had the opportunity to take part
in multiple service projects over the past four years, from conservation and collection to
construction. Recently, I planned and led a service project for Safe Alternatives to
Violent Environments (SAVE), a local non-profit domestic violence shelter.
community. It allows you to gain new skills, meet new people, find your passions, and
above all, help those in need. As an Eagle Scout, I have had the opportunity to take part
in multiple service projects over the past four years, from conservation and collection to
construction. Recently, I planned and led a service project for Safe Alternatives to
Violent Environments (SAVE), a local non-profit domestic violence shelter.
The mission of the project was to renovate SAVE’s walk-in service center (named the
“Empowerment Center”), located at Washington Hospital. The renovations performed
expanded the functionality of the Empowerment Center, adding a resting area for
survivors to sleep comfortably, privately, and off the floor or couch. What’s more, the
space has been transformed to be more kid-friendly, with a bright mural, vibrantly
colored walls, and functional art displays. The newly decorated bookcase will entice
survivors to pick up a book. Signage for the bookcases effectively communicates to
survivors that the books it stores are available for them to take and keep. Signage is now
also featured in both Spanish and English to increase accessibility.
I worked closely with SAVE’s program director throughout the process to ensure that
my vision aligned with her wants and needs. I employed helpers of all ages from my
scouting troop. I discovered so much about myself as a leader–I had never led such an
extensive project in the past. It was so rewarding watching my fellow scouts learn new
skills, such as using a saw or painting a mural. The entire process, from planning to
execution took around eight months to complete, totaling over 485 hours.
I’m pleased to say that feedback from the survivors using the room has all been positive.
Moving forward, I am even more inspired to continue serving my community in any way
that I can–and I hope that you will too.
