It's the season of giving, but while the holidays can bring joy to some, for others it's another point of stress, emphasizing what is lacking in one's life rather than what one has.
Single parents feel this most significantly, especially mothers. I know because I was raised by one. As a widow raising seven children by herself, my mother worked hard to ensure we had a good life and good Christmases. However, because of her own stress, I often saw she missed out on much of the joy because of it. I wish a ministry like Giving Words was around in the 1970s. They serve a particular niche: encouraging young mothers, especially single mothers. One particular aspect of their ministry is that they help with car repairs; they incorporate the school and technical training community to see this come about.
Romans 15:1 says, "We who are strong ought to bear with the shortcomings of the weak and not to please ourselves. Each of us should please his neighbor for his good, to build him up."
Supporting the weak and building up others is the subject of this week's Feel-Good Friday.
Virginia's Louisa County High School is the school with which Giving Words partners in this endeavor.
Students at Louisa County High School are learning more than just how to fix cars. They're learning how to help their community.
The school's auto tech program teaches 11th graders like Tyler Shelton about car mechanics while also serving local residents.
"We're learning about all the electricity of the car and how the wiring works," Shelton said.
The program provides students with hands-on experience working on real vehicles. They repair cars for teachers, fellow students and neighbors at reduced prices.
"This class teaches you a lot... If you can't figure it out, you just gotta keep trying. It teaches you that failing is OK," Shelton said.
The Automotive Technology program is renowned in the state, and with the need in our country for skilled trades persons, it helps to fill that gap.
The program, which falls under LCPS’ Career and Technical Education (CTE), has experienced growth alongside an economy requiring skilled tradespeople. According to Kenneth Bouwens, Director of CTE & Innovation, 156 students from grades 9 to 12 were enrolled in the program’s courses, including Automotive I, II and III, for the 2024-2025 academic year.
The program’s curriculum focuses on experiential learning to ensure that students not only grasp theoretical concepts but also apply them in real-world situations. Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certified courses leverage state-of-the-art facilities, including advanced diagnostic equipment, lifts and technology-based learning platforms to bolster students’ hands-on experience, according to the award applications.
“None of this happens in isolation,” Bouwens said. “Our advisory board and partners at local dealerships and shops open doors for internships and career opportunities. Together, we’re graduating highly qualified, workforce-ready technicians and engaged citizens.”
One way the program develops community engagement is through its service initiatives. Students work alongside nonprofits like Giving Words and Louisa County Resource Council’s Wheels for Work program, which provide essential automotive repairs and vehicle maintenance to local families in need.
Not only do these young people build their skills and greatly enhance their career prospects, but they learn service, using their practical skills to benefit others.
But the program goes beyond basic repairs. Students also restore cars to give away to single mothers who need transportation.
Shane Robertson, who teaches the auto tech class, says the program benefits everyone involved.
"The last one we did, we roll up the garage door and, the moment of surprise, you have to be there to see it," Robertson said.
See for yourself.
WATCH:
One of the moms who received a car restored through the automobile program at Louisa County High School shared how this act of kindness renewed her faith.
When they feel like all is lost, Giving Words is here to help local single mothers struggling with transportation issues. For one mother, a recent car gifting helped restore her faith after months of difficulties and depression. Here's what she had to say:
"Giving Words has been such a blessing for me and my two small children by gifting us a car. I signed up because I felt like I was losing everything. I was just one month postpartum I had to turn in my car due to not being able to make payments on it anymore and temporarily being out of work, and while also having to deal with finding a new place to stay because my apartment was condemned and unviable to live in. I was so down and depressed I felt like I was losing everything. It was so hard for me and I was losing hope and my faith in God, but yet I still trusted him and I waited for something to come through. I kept telling myself he is Jehovah Jireh and he will provide for me and my kids. I waited patiently and in a matter of a few months I was told that they had a car available for me. I am so thankful to be blessed with another car to be able to get my kids around and doing for myself again without having to be dependent on others and get myself back together!! My daughter loves the car and she's so happy that we can finally go out on our own again. I really cried tears of joy and relief when I received it. It just didn't feel real and I'm very blessed and thankful for Giving Words, the person who donated it, and to Jesus for providing for me and my kids!"
Even the school superintendent recognizes the lifelong benefits to the students as they partner to enrich the lives of single mothers.
Louisa County Public Schools Superintendent Doug Straley believes the program teaches valuable life skills.
"When you walk into this automotive lab, it's a showcase of lifelong learning," Straley said. "Students, hands-on learning skills that's going to go for a lifetime. And not only to help themselves, but help others as well."
Editor's Note: At RedState, it's not all about politics and policy. We like to bring attention to what's good in the world, with columns like "Feel-Good Friday," "Start Your Weekend Right," and "Hoge's Heroes."
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