Participants in this week-long program will:

Work with Durham families in need of urgent home repairs.

Make new friends while building communication and leadership skills in a fun, friendly way.

Receive training in basic constructions skills

Meet with local leaders to discuss our community's needs.

Prepare and serve meals to people in need of nourishment.

Eat, laugh, and have fun!

Dear Friend,

Thanks for your interest in the Durham Summer Service Week, or DSSW. The 2012 service week will mark more than a year’s planning and we’re excited that you may be part of this experience!

DSSW was born in 2009 when Rob Lamme and I ran into each other at the orthodontist's office and got to talking about the need to give local youth an affordable opportunity to do some good in the community. We knew how important service experiences have been for our kids and for others’. And we were familiar with the many great opportunities many young people have to go out of state—or even out of the country—to help others in need. But we also know that there are many in need right here where we live, and that many families cannot afford the expense of sending their kids away during the summer.

So we started the Durham Summer Service Week to provide high school youth with a powerful, fun, affordable—and safe—service opportunity right here in their own community. After two successful summers we are excited to be adding a new program (Nourish), and enrolling our third class of DSSWers!

Thanks again for your interest. Please let us know if you need any information or assistance. We look forward to meeting you soon!

Sincerely,
Christyn Klinck

PS. Don’t forget to visit the How You Can Help section of our website to learn how you, your family, your church or community group can help make the 2012 Service Week a success!

Co-founder Christyn Klinck lives in Durham and is the parent of four children ages 12 to 19. She realized her passion for working with youth when she spent college summers as a camp counselor. Christyn has worked as a part-time math and physics teacher in several area schools. She has served teens and young children at First Presbyterian Church since 1989, leading retreats, service trips, and weekly programs.

Co-leader Brent Curtis lives in Durham and is the parent of two children. He has taught elementary school in area public schools and worked for the United Cerebral Palsy Association, supporting employment for people with disabilities. He is an avid woodworker, chef, and bicyclist.

2012 Planning Team:
Brent Curtis (FPC)
Audrey Green (ERUUF)
Christyn Klinck
Rob Lamme (DFM)
Lori Pistor
Candice Provey
Dan Wales