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Willoughby House Youth Learn Woodworking

FORT WORTH, Texas – Willoughby House youth are gaining a new and valuable skill thanks to the efforts of JCO IV Christopher Golden. Mr. Golden has created a woodworking class for youth who are interested in refurbishing furniture.

Mr. Golden said he initiated this project because, “I wanted to provide the guys with an opportunity to stay busy and learn a craft, which they can later use as an opportunity to generate income. One youth has expressed to me that he wants to pursue this as a possible career, since he enjoys it so much.”

Mr. Golden has donated most of the supplies, such as a sander, paint, stain, paintbrushes, and other items as needed to complete the projects. So far, the youth have completed two end tables, a card table, and they are currently working on refurbishing the television stand in the facility. Other staff have donated items for the youth to work on as well.

Mr. Golden stated that this was a craft that he’s been doing for the past ten years and wanted to give the youth the same experience. He also goes on Craigslist to see what free furnishings are available and he picks those up. There are several more projects on the agenda.

“The youth take so much pride in their work and practically every day I get summoned to the back patio to see their latest creation. They really do a beautiful job. Sometimes I wonder how in the world they are going to salvage a piece of furnishing, but the end product is amazing!”

PHOTO: A table finished by Willoughby House youth.
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