A classroom project has turned into a humanitarian effort for some Lancaster Catholic students. They have set up a shelter for runaway teens.
If you spend enough time in Lancaster, eventually you may come across a flyer. They are circulating all around the area and they come from a class of juniors at a local high school that are trying to make a difference.
“There's just no way I could ever tell you how proud I am of them because it's not me, it's them,” commented Lancaster Catholic teacher Anne Schober. “I am simply their guide. They are the leaders."
If you could change the world, what would you do? When this class of juniors at Lancaster Catholic was asked that question by their teacher, they answered by Building Hope.
Building Hope is a shelter specifically for runaway teens. Every Tuesday evening from 5-8 p.m., starting February 19, at St. John's Episcopal Church these students will help their peers.
"To be able to be a part of something this big and to be able to help teens who, some of which are just like some kids in our class, to help someone like that would be such a great opportunity for us," explained Building Hope’s Katie Filling.
The shelter will offer a hot meal, clothes, relaxation and counseling, some of which will come from the students.
"We kind of get a background insight on our friends, maybe more than adults do, just the way that teens think and react to each other that they can express themselves deeper and with more emotions to those in which are their age," student Tristan Mrakovich explained.
"Teens don't be afraid to come in,” Schober stated. “We are not there to judge you. We are there to help you. That includes the summer that includes next year. These kids are all in."
The students would like to make the shelter permanent, but they need someone to eventually take it over. So, they are lobbying local businesses and other groups to find someone because there is a need.
They say this will be the only shelter of its kind in Lancaster County.
If you spend enough time in Lancaster, eventually you may come across a flyer. They are circulating all around the area and they come from a class of juniors at a local high school that are trying to make a difference.
“There's just no way I could ever tell you how proud I am of them because it's not me, it's them,” commented Lancaster Catholic teacher Anne Schober. “I am simply their guide. They are the leaders."
If you could change the world, what would you do? When this class of juniors at Lancaster Catholic was asked that question by their teacher, they answered by Building Hope.
Building Hope is a shelter specifically for runaway teens. Every Tuesday evening from 5-8 p.m., starting February 19, at St. John's Episcopal Church these students will help their peers.
"To be able to be a part of something this big and to be able to help teens who, some of which are just like some kids in our class, to help someone like that would be such a great opportunity for us," explained Building Hope’s Katie Filling.
The shelter will offer a hot meal, clothes, relaxation and counseling, some of which will come from the students.
"We kind of get a background insight on our friends, maybe more than adults do, just the way that teens think and react to each other that they can express themselves deeper and with more emotions to those in which are their age," student Tristan Mrakovich explained.
"Teens don't be afraid to come in,” Schober stated. “We are not there to judge you. We are there to help you. That includes the summer that includes next year. These kids are all in."
The students would like to make the shelter permanent, but they need someone to eventually take it over. So, they are lobbying local businesses and other groups to find someone because there is a need.
They say this will be the only shelter of its kind in Lancaster County.