At Project REBUILD, service is more than just something we talk about—it’s something we do. And for our April 2025 YouthBuild Greater Stark County cohort, their very first AmeriCorps service project set the tone in the best way possible: hands-on, heartfelt, and done together.
On April 25, a small group of brand-new members partnered with Light After Loss, a local nonprofit that supports individuals navigating traumatic grief and mental health challenges. Their mission is to provide healing spaces—and thanks to our team, that mission now includes a peaceful outdoor trail for reflection and connection.
Despite cold rain and tough manual labor, our newest members rolled up their sleeves and got to work—without complaint, and with a sense of purpose that left a real impact.
A First Experience That Made a Difference
This wasn’t just any project—it was our newest members’ first AmeriCorps experience. For most, it was also their first time learning landscaping techniques, using tools, and working side-by-side with a brand-new team.
They learned how to lay edging, move gravel, and shape walkways that would serve as a safe space for others to reflect, relax, and heal. And while the weather didn’t cooperate, no one backed down.
As Blue put it, “I liked being able to do hands-on work, especially in the rain. Helping provide an area for people to decompress felt good.”
Hannah echoed that impact: “Now people have a space to relax and let out what’s bothering them. Seeing what we helped build made me feel like I was part of something that matters.”
Hard Work, Real Impact
Even though the group was small, the staff at Light After Loss were amazed by how much our members got done.
“Ms. Crystal told us more than once how much we accomplished,” said Blue. “Ms. Sharron said we really took a load off their shoulders. That meant a lot.”
Ren shared a similar sense of pride: “Knowing the trail would help people dealing with grief made the work worth it. The money they would’ve spent on this could now go toward helping more people.”
New members didn’t just work—they learned. From trail lining and gravel work to communication, teamwork, and staying focused in uncomfortable weather, every moment offered a new opportunity to grow.
A Moment to Remember
After the work was done, the team gathered—wet, tired, proud—and stood together in the rain, sharing pizza and laughter.
That’s the part Ren says they’ll never forget.
“When we were all tired and happy, standing together eating pizza—that was the best moment. We worked hard. We did it together.”
That simple image—soaked hoodies, muddy boots, and pizza boxes—is what AmeriCorps at Project REBUILD is all about: showing up for your community, for your teammates, and for yourself.
Starting Strong
We’re incredibly proud of this April 2025 cohort. With just a few weeks into YouthBuild and AmeriCorps service, they’ve already demonstrated grit, compassion, teamwork, and heart.
Thank you to Light After Loss for the opportunity to serve such an important cause—and to our members, for reminding us what it looks like to step into something new with courage and care.
We can’t wait to see where this journey takes you next.
#ProjectREBUILD #YouthBuildGreaterStarkCounty #AmeriCorps #WhyIServe #ServiceInAction #LightAfterLoss #NewBeginnings
