From the Rock to the Stepping Stone

Chester Lester was scheduled to do community service at Collinwood Recreation Center.  He had to complete 50 hours.  Chester started on June 19, 2015.  Once Chester and his mother came to see me, Chester demeanor was timid.  He stated that he was uncomfortable due to being in an environment that wasn’t familiar.  At the end of his shift on the 19th Chester stated that he enjoyed working here and that he wanted to stay and continue working after his hours were completed.  The staff and I hear a lot of community service workers state that they will come back and do work for the community, but only a few make that statement true.  Chester is one of those few workers.  “Chester Lester” as we sometimes call him, which is his actual, name, has not, missed a day since his community service hours were completed on June 26, 2015.   Chester stated to me, that he wanted to be a part of the team and I was going to make that happen.  Chester was an honorary YOU worker and received t-shirts as the other youth did and he also obtained a volunteer shirt so that he could blend in with the rest of the staff. I mentioned to Chester and his mother, Ms. Henderson about the Mayor’s youth program.  They both were interested and now the application is awaiting approval.  Chester states that he wants to be here because it keeps him out of trouble and he actually has fun being at the center and working.  Chester is here faithfully from 9am-8pm Monday through Friday and Saturdays 9:30-6pm.  As I stated earlier he has not missed a day.  He has participated in all of our team gatherings.  Chester Lester has shined his character and commitment on Collinwood Recreation Center.  We are grateful to have him in our presence.  Chester has gone from the rock to the stepping stone and is approaching his throne one day at a time.