BESTc/o Williams Memorial Development

BEST is a three-week, three-day, summer Youth Development program, paying youth a $20.00 and the project managers small stipend.
In the mornings, youth work side-by-side completing home improvement projects that help Oak Park homeowners improve the facade of their homes. The 20 Youth are divided into four teams, enabling us to serve four homes simultaneously. Project managers, college students, help guide and supervise the projects. The director is there to monitor. BEST has had an positive impact on the blighted Oak Park community by doing projects such as; repairing and painting fences, painting homes, creating gardens, moving decorative bark and rock, and weed abatement. One homeowner stated, “The young people are the best! This is exactly what our community needs.”
After working at a home site in the mornings, the youth convene at the church site to have a nutritious lunch. In the afternoons, the teens attend interactive “empowerment skills” seminars. We provide a six-hour oasis for the youth who are faced with gang and illegal drug activity daily. The participants enjoy a safe, nurturing environment as they interactively learn about Home Maintenance, Anger Management, Communication Skills, Financial Education and Job Etiquette. Embedded throughout the day, is guidance on avoiding anti-social behaviors, such as gang and drug activity. In addition; they gain a sense of pride, develop a strong sense of work etiquette and develop a mutual respect for their neighbors.