As I approach the holiday season and the end of 2012 I have taken some time to reflect on what the past 5 months have meant to me, to Challenge Detroit and to the City of Detroit.

Five months have certainly flown by but there have been moments in time that stand out.  The moments when we have made a difference, brightened the day and help give glimmers of hope. The two large service projects I have participated in were the “Make A Difference Day- 100 Houses” event and the “Harper Woods-Learning Cafe”.

The 100 Houses project was a true testament to what the power of a community can do.  All the volunteers gathered in the gymnasium of Cody High School, sitting on the bleachers and filling the basketball court eager to get started.  A friendly buzz filled the room as neighbors welcome each other on an early Saturday morning.  I gathered with a group about 20 Challenge Detroit Fellows also ready to get to work. We listened to Mayor Dave Bing and Mitch Albom address the crowd with words of thanks and inspiration. Their words were encouraging a great way to kick off the day.

Volunteers were split into teams of about 25, loaded on vans and taken to our worksites for the day. Each team was assigned 5 or so houses to, board up, clear any yard debris in order to lessen the danger for students who walk the streets to and from school each day. It was a busy day. lots of raking, shoveling and hauling but by the end of the day the street was safer for the families that remain on the block and those who walk the streets. The event was part of Detroit’s 2nd Make a Difference Day and I certainly feel like the hundreds of volunteers, 20 Fellows and myself made a difference.

A few weeks later during our second challenge with United Way we had an opportunity to help out with their efforts in the schools.  We spent time at Harper Woods High School helping to create a “Learning Cafe”.  We worked to convert an empty room into a room where students have access to individual help before, during and after school. We built bookshelves for the room as well helped to paint a mural, designed by a Local Artist, to help brighten up the space and make it a welcoming environment. It was another great day of giving back with my fellow Challenge Detroit Fellows.

I am looking to 2013 and plenty of more opportunities to give to the City of Detroit.