Simon Youth Foundation outreach helps build a home, students' character

SYF student Logan Retz, second from left, with
classmates and his teacher Kara Larkin, far right.

With each brush stroke in late May, 2011, Logan Retz was making a difference.

The fresh paint he applied with help from three of his Simon Youth Foundation classmates at the Simon Youth Clark Pleasant Academy in Whiteland, Ind., was helping provide a fresh start for a family of seven.

Volunteering through Habitat for Humanity, the students were a part of the team building a new home for the Lyons family.

“Outreach is a very important part of our program at the academy, because learning to build one’s character is a lesson as important as any,” says Kara Larkin, the program director at Simon Youth Clark Pleasant Academy.

Larkin says groups of her students participate in outreach every Friday of the school year, working on a range of service projects from stocking shelves at community food pantries to interacting with nursing home residents.

“Anytime we can help the local community, we want to get involved,” Retz, a senior student, says.



But the habitat project for the Lyons family was particularly special for the students, because the new home’s owner is a member of the Simon Youth Clark Pleasant Academy family. Emily Lyons graduated from the school back in 2006.

“I was an at-risk student, too, and I know how the academy gives hope to students that they can overcome their obstacles and still earn their high school diploma,” Lyons says. “Having students, who were in the same position that I was, give their time to benefit my children means a lot.”

Lyons, who also completed hours of outreach work while a student at the academy, believes that what goes around comes around.

“My academy classmates and teachers were like a family to me, and I always will be a part of that school family,” Lyons says.

Emily Lyons with her husband, Matt.

The students who spent an entire day painting two of the new bedrooms for Lyon’s children agree.

“We are all a family, and we want to support each other whether it's alumni or current students,” Retz says.

In June, Emily and her husband, Matt, moved into their new home with their four children and Matt’s younger brother, for whom the couple serves as legal guardians. The five bedroom house provides just the space the seven needs. Their previous home had just two bedrooms.

“Simon Youth Foundation programs change lives, and years after my graduation, they are still impacting me and my family in positive ways,” Lyons says.