Playground,

picnic tables built for kids at Friday home

Other youth did the work as part of special program

Youth volunteers led by Square Foot Ministries built a playground and three

picnic tables for the Johnson Home, one of two homes for foster children

operated locally by Fayette Youth Protection Homes, Inc.

The equipment was funded by donations from Square Foot Ministries and area

churches, FYPH officials said.

The program was part of Impact 04, a Square Foot Ministries project that

brought together youth from various churches in Fayette County to work on

home and building improvements.

The playground equipment will be especially useful, noted Becky Davenport,

FYPH Executive Director.

"We had been searching for a way to get the Johnson Home a playground,

but after pricing them we were looking for a way to afford it," Davenport

said. "Impact 04 was heaven sent. The youth and leaders of Impact 04

have built something the children at the Johnson Home can enjoy for many

years."

The group of 14 youth volunteers was led by Square Foot Ministries Board

Member Chuck Leonard and team leader Chris McGowan. They built the three

picnic tables the first day and took the next two days to build the playground.

"Those kids worked very hard," Leonard said. "They stuck

with it, even when it was really hot. I'm very proud of them."

The Johnson Home children made a thank-you card for the workers in appreciation

for their efforts.

"We did a good deed and there was someone on the receiving end who

really appreciated it," Leonard said. "That's a great lesson

for our youth today."

The grading, cross-tie border and ground cover were donated by Brent Scarbrough&Company.

The delivery was provided by The Amish Place.

Fayette Youth Protection Homes, Inc. is comprised of the two houses known

as the Friday and Johnson Homes, which were established in 1986 to provide

a loving home environment for children who are victims of abuse or neglect.

For more information about the Fayette Youth Protection Homes, Inc. please

contact Becky Davenport at the executive offices at 770-461-7020.