Our summer jobs program, Chapel Corps, began in 1998. Eight to ten local high school youth are hired to assist the elderly with maintenance projects, simple home repairs, and cleaning. Each year the Corps works in the homes of 15-20 elderly or disabled individuals in the Wheeling area. Some of the tasks are simple, such as laundry and general houskeeping, but the Corps also takes on some tough jobs--cleaning carpets, scrubbing walls, replacing flooring, installing toilets, and lots of painting.

In addition to the benefit of helping our neighbors, the Chapel Corps trains young people in basic maintenance and repair skills. More importantly, it teaches responsibility and team work. It is frequently a first experience in the workforce. Graduates of the Corps have used skills acquired in the program to join the Jobs Corps program and to find local employment.