Eagle Scout project improves outdoor space at Kenneth Young Center

Kentaro Lim, a junior at Saint Viator High School and active Boy Scout, had many choices when it came to volunteering in his community to become an Eagle Scout.

"I knew going into my project that I wanted to directly help improve an outdoor area for children or teens. After some research and emails, I was able to visit Kenneth Young Center and started to envision the different projects that I could do," said Lim.

Lim quickly assembled a team to help him create his vision: Four sitting benches, two tables and planting arborvitae bushes around the furniture to create an inviting space.

Lim developed blueprints and instructions to know exactly what he needed, worked with local Home Depot locations to get materials donated, and built and stained the furniture.

"After the many hours of work, it was rewarding to see the benches and tables fit well with the outdoor space and add more to what Kenneth Young Center already had," said Lim.

"Volunteers play a very important part in our work," said Kenneth Young Center CEO Susan Cowen. "Each year, more than 200 volunteers help us serve the most vulnerable people in our community, and we couldn't continue this work without them.

"Kentaro's project helped to enhance our outdoor space to engage clients in therapy and offers an inviting area for people to gather and work. We'll look forward to celebrating with Kentaro when he becomes an Eagle Scout and are deeply grateful for his kind support."

Throughout the year, Kenneth Young Center engages volunteers to serve the agency. From home-delivered meals to fundraising event planning, administrative work to physical work like Lim's project, people of all ages and abilities support Kenneth Young Center as volunteers.

To learn how you can help, contact Colette Young, coordinator of Volunteer Services, at (847) 524-8800, ext. 182, or colettey@kennethyoung.org.

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