DALLAS/FORT WORTH (August 10, 2010) – Faculty, staff and students from Westwood College – Dallas (www.westwood.edu) recently partnered with the City of Dallas to support the People Helping People (PHP) program. More than 25 volunteers from Westwood contributed to a series of work sessions that repaired two homes in south Dallas. Since 1985, the PHP program has assisted low-income, elderly or disabled homeowners with exterior home repairs. Repairs include replacing rotted wood, scraping and painting, rebuilding/replacing steps, handrails and porches, demolishing small structures and removing open storage from yards.
“Students conducting the work are enrolled in Westwood’s construction management program so this project was not only a gratifying personal experience for them, but it was also an important learning opportunity as they were able to practice classroom skills in a real world situation,” said Ki Thompson, Westwood College program chair. “People Helping People is an incredible organization and we are all very proud to help support the community.”
In addition to applying practical experience to their work, the Westwood students received free safety training as PHP volunteers are required to complete a “Safe Work Practice Training” course. Westwood participants received a safety certificate certified by the City of Dallas, which is a requirement for all City of Dallas construction workers.
One of the homes repaired by the Westwood volunteers is owned by Charles Gilyard, a 65-year-old widower who survives on social security income and is on oxygen. More than 25 volunteers from Westwood helped repair the baby blue, wooden house he has called home for the last 45 years.
“I am so proud and thankful to those who made this happen,” said Gilyard. “My friend told me about a house close by that had this done so I decided to fill out the application. I would like for more people to know about this great program,” he added.
“The PHP program gives us the opportunity to take care of our elderly and disabled citizens, rather than having them endure unnecessary suffering due to a lack of financial resources or means to make quality home repairs themselves,” said Thompson. “It’s a great program that deserves tremendous support from the community.”
Councilwoman Carolyn Davis attended the first event, giving her support to the effort. She praised the group for volunteering their time and talent to such a worthy effort. To learn more about Dallas’ People Helping People Program please visit the City of Dallas website at: http://www.dallascityhall.com/housing/people_helping_people.html. To learn more about Westwood College in Dallas, visit www.Westwood.edu.
About Westwood College
Westwood College is an institution of higher learning with 17 campuses across the country. Westwood offers a unique hands-on, career-focused curriculum providing three-year bachelor’s degrees in in-demand fields. More than 24,000 Westwood graduates have transformed their lives by obtaining the skills, tools, experience and connections necessary to achieve meaningful careers. Westwood College is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC) and the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS), depending on the campus. Westwood is also a candidate for regional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. For more information, please visit www.westwood.edu.