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player ready...There are the faithful who spend their Good Friday walking the Stations of the Cross or otherwise involved in church, and then there’s the African-American Achievers Youth Corps Inc.
The group, founded by State Rep. Vernon Smith, D-14, instead follows asks, “What would Jesus do?” and uses Good Friday as a day to help those in need. For the last 22 years, the group has gone to two of Gary’s assisted living complexes – Thomas High-Rise on West 11th Avenue and Gary Manor on Washington Street – to do light cleaning for residents.
Good deeds are what Jesus is all about, anyway, Smith said.
“When you help people, you’re making sacrifices and going beyond what you may normally do,” he said. “Christ is then pleased.”
Armed with cleaning supplies, the 15 boys, ranging in age from 10 to 18, went to various rooms in the complex to sweep and vacuum for the seniors. A couple of the boys hung some curtains for one resident, while others cleaned appliances.
Donell Pharms Jr., 18, and Khyle Washington, 10, would’ve spent their Friday helping their parents get ready for Easter, so the work wasn’t tough for them. It was, however, a bit more fulfilling.
“It’s very easy to do for other folks,” said Pharms, on his third cleaning junket with the group. “When we get done, they smile and thank us.”
There’s also fun to be had with each other, according to Washington.
“Everybody bonded, and we were talking about black history,” he said.
Resident Lora Moore had some of the boys do some cleaning in her apartment and was grateful for their help.
“They did good, and I am thoroughly satisfied,” she said. “I appreciate everything they do.”
Deborah Jones, on the other hand, said she didn’t need cleaning help but was impressed with the boys nonetheless.
“They were a great team and came in with supplies,” she said.
Michelle L. Quinn is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.