Life Remodeled is a 6 day Project (October 1-6) of which Our Lady of the Lakes High 9th-12th graders and secondary staff had the privilege of volunteering on Wednesday, October 3rd. 11,000 volunteers having signed up to participate in this life changing project. Students were transported by bus to Durfee Innovation Center to begin serving in Detroit near Central High School and the area where the 1967 Detroit civil unrest began. Students were assigned to groups of 8-10 with 2 teachers leading each group. Fr. Christopher joined us and helped instruct students on how to use the equipment and directed much of the volunteer clean-up.

U of D Jesuit, Cristo Rey, Shrine, and Our Lady of the Lakes were four high schools that sent their entire student body to serve in this 2018 project. The Archdiocese of Detroit were grateful for the service these high schools provided and donated special Life Remodeled T-shirts that had the AOD Crest on the back of the shirt.

Work varied from sweeping, removing debris and brush, lawn mowing, and much more. Only abandoned buildings or homes were targeted for blight removal. Our volunteer work was totally outdoors. Many folks in the neighborhood thanked the volunteers for their outreach and actually pitched in to help. Cars stopped and people inquired how they could lend a hand. The block of Buena Vista and 14th Street was transformed. As you looked back on the block, you could see piles of garbage bags, yard waste, tree and vine cuttings, and piles of tires. The work accomplished was astonishing. I am proud of the Christian Service our students provided and they did it with a happy heart.

Life Remodeled transforms the lives of those that serve as well as those who are served.