Meeting a Need: Project Help

*This week I’m hosting a series of guest posts by women in my community who saw a need and decided to do something about it. I find each of their stories inspirational in the most literal sense. Many of us can recognize injustice or weakness or pain, but not many of us ask ourselves, “What can I do about this?” I wanted to ask these women what moved them from the “It’s sad” mentality to the “Let’s fix it” mentality in the hope that it would inspire some of you who are on the fence about tackling a challenge of your own.*

On this blog, Tara doesn’t need much of an introduction. I have written about what a great impact she has had on my life and she has been gracious enough to share her adoption story here. I’m glad to host her now to share her passion for loving others through Project Help. I know firsthand what a beautiful thing Project Help is because I had them in my home when we first brought our foster baby home. Those ladies scrubbed my toilet, washed the crud off our kitchen chairs and chased away the dust bunnies. They were amazing and I was humbled to be the recipient of such a tangible act of love. I would be overjoyed to see Tara’s vision spread across the country as other women see the beauty and joy in helping their neighbors and sisters in such a practical way.

Tara with Project Help

Some info on Tara
I am 36 years old, and have three pretty great kids (ages 10, 8, and 4) and one fantastic husband. I would spend all day writing or getting engrossed in a good story or taking pictures until I had the perfect one. I have had many ideas, but often lack the timing or confidence or momentum to carry them through. I am equal parts creativity and method, so I love both beauty and order. I am energized by finding ways to simplify, organize, make beautiful, and in connecting with people. I graduated college with a degree in Advertising/Public Relations, however, I have yet to use my field training in any sort of capacity. I have held odd jobs off and on, from work as a Child Advocate in a domestic abuse shelter to managing office finances to teaching preschool. I have enjoyed work, in general, and have found that where passion and skill meet opportunity and community, great things grow. While most of my days are full of typical responsibilities and the care of our family, I have been allowed creative opportunities to do something I love in combination with serving a greater purpose. And alongside people I love to be with.

How did you first notice a need for Project Help?
If only I could take full credit for the start of Project Help, but I was really just the administrator in a group brainstorming idea. In a casual conversation with some friends, while sharing about the projects needing to be done in each of our homes, the idea was born of how good it would be to help each other. All show up to help at one house, then continuing to rotate through until all our projects were complete. We decided to begin with one morning a week, just the three or four of us, toting our preschoolers along and working as long as we were able. When more and more people wanted in, both wanting to help and wanting help in exchange for a turn at their own project, I saw this was something that could work. Not only was it a possible way to fulfill a need, it was a ministry to love people in a way that was tangible and communal and fairly low commitment. I saw that with just a little bit of organization and coordination, we could maybe just keep this thing going.

What made you decide you could meet that need?
It was only with the rest of the group’s commitment and eagerness that we had the ability to continue. I was willing to be available every week, even if it meant I was the only one who could show up, but that was never the case. Soon after we had rotated through the group of friends who began Project Help, in a mix of both seeking out and being sought after, we began to work in the homes of others. This was the place in time when I felt we had become something different than how we began. It has been delightful to be welcomed into the homes of others, some who are dear friends and some whom we only met that very PH morning. Hard work, messy and tiresome tasks, are bearable, and even ENJOYABLE, when done with others. I may be one of few who are energized and enthusiastic about house projects, decluttering, repurposing and painting; but I have witnessed again and again, the power and affect of doing this work together. What once felt overwhelming feels do-able, and what was once being avoided can be faced. It is from watching this beautiful thing week after week, that I have been convinced there is a place for and a benefit of Project Help. It is only a matter of a few hours, but a lot of love can be poured out in that small amount of time.

Who encouraged you to pursue this?
As a stay at home mama, and even as a working mama, it can be tricky to find avenues to use your gifts outside of what is demanded of you and outside the circle of your routine. It can be hard to even IDENTIFY your gifts. I was given just enough administrational skills to see how a few emails a week might be enough to coordinate the efforts of Project Help. Since we began, and as the scope of PH has grown, it has required a bit more planning and occasional childcare needs, but has been carried by the willingness of others to share their Friday mornings. There have been moments when I have questioned the continuance of our group, and then someone will ask about it or contact me about someone else in need of a few extra hands. Encouragement has been found through the willingness of others to keep showing up, the need spoken from others who have asked us to come, and from the way I have felt blessing upon this work. I continually pray it would be pleasing to Him, and when it no longer is, that we will know. It is a GIFT to get to do something you love, with people you love, that in turn benefits another. The most sweet of circumstances.

What advice would you have for somebody who sees a need in their community?
There are so many needs, hurts, and places to help. If we were to try and respond to every need that received our attention, we would be exhausted and would quickly discover our great inability to do all the good works that indeed need doing. But, we WERE made to do some. I would start by identifying where you are, what needs already overlap your life. Pay attention and listen to what the Spirit speaks. Sometimes it just looks like doing that next thing in front of you, and other times, it might require grand sacrifice. Notice how others encourage you or speak into what your gifts are, where they see you being glory. Even if it seems like just a small thing, or benefits even just one person, it could be a work meant for you to do. When you are already investing time and care into your family or community, and both your energy and availability are limited, I think you have to see the good that you CAN do, and not feel overwhelmed by all the things you can’t.

How can someone start a Project Help in their area?
There have been a number of people from different places that have written to ask me about starting a Project Help in their area or city. This has been not only confirmation that we are onto something, but also a great joy in seeing how something so simple might possibly have bigger implications in community.
My advice to someone wanting to begin a Project Help, is to start by finding one or two others who also have a vision, and to choose a day and time to slot for it. We are currently scheduling for approximately every other Friday morning, which often feels like an inadequate amount. When we first began, however, it was a little less often, until the ball got rolling and more people understood what we were doing! It might be a good idea to invite people into your own home first, or to seek out a friend or family member who is familiar with those initial group members, in order that all would feel more comfortable. Is there someone in your church who is adding to their family who could use a little extra help scrubbing floors? Or a friend who is overwhelmed by a new job that would love some meals cooked and prepared? Maybe it’s your neighbor who is going to sell their home, and has hours of painting to do before they list. The possibilities are endless. Once you have determined a day and time, invite others to join you! We have established Project Help as an entirely no-returns necessary service. You can have us come to help, even if you know you will be unable to take part with helping in return. There are also some who have shown up nearly every Friday, but never asked for their own help. We do not keep score, and we have been willing to do anything, within the scope of what can be done in several hours. I would be so happy to talk with anyone (*join the Project Help Facebook page for more info*) interested in starting a Project Help in their community! It is so neat to be reminded that we each have works set before us, some for seasons and some that last a day.