Transformation Groups

Transformation Groups are a vital part of our initiative.  Service Living is structured around these experiences, in which groups of 2-6 students serve with various community partners once a week for 5-10 weeks, establishing relationships with individuals in service venues.  Transformation Groups (TG) will serve as a catalyst for discussions and relationships centered around social issues of concern in Southeastern Ohio.

This semester, we are meeting for two 5-week sessions, asking for a 4/5-week commitment.  We encourage students to stay with the same TG for all ten weeks, as the depth of relationships formed is likely to be greater, the longer the commitment.  However, we recognize that one may want to try several groups or be able to commit to the first half of the semester but not the second, etc. therefore we have broken the commitment down to the two 5-week opportunities.

Spring Semester Transformation Groups:

Community Connections
Meet and build relationships with folks in our community who have disabilities and attend this therapeutic, community-based, workshop in Athens. Some activities may include: candle making, playing games, painting, and other crafts. Community Connections is an affiliate of Echoing Meadows, an organization that has partnered with us since 2009.
Meets on Thursdays from 9am-12:30pm
Group Leader:  Kara Stricker

Friday Night Life
Join in on a community meal and social events for people from all walks of life in this unique setting where food, friends, and an opportunity to meet many people with roots in this region combine.  We do not provide the food or create events to happen here, instead, we join in on what is already happening!
Meets on Fridays from 4:30-8pm
Group Leader: Maggie Krueger

Echoing Meadows
Build relationships with individuals with disabilities in this residential facility located in Athens. Some activities may include: playing games, making crafts, swimming, making home movies, and visiting one-on-one. What a wonderful opportunity to spend time with people who do not spend time on the campus of Ohio University!
Meets on Saturdays from 9am-12:30pm
Group Leader: Kara Stricker

Neighboring 102
What does it mean to be a good neighbor?  Help meet a felt need as this group works with local individuals and families to engage in minor home repair and/or yard-work while visiting homeowners to build relationships.
Meets on Saturdays from 9am-12:30pm

Group Leader: Matt Carlyle

Agriculture in Athens County
The Agricultural Transformation Group is all about cultivation….relational and agricultural.  We seek to connect with our Athens County neighbors through the start-up and maintenance of vegetable gardens.  This is a great way the smaller communities of Athens County and learn a thing or two about sustainable agriculture.
Meets on Saturdays from 9am-12:30pm
Group Leader: Doug Schmaltz

Three Rivers Housing
Build a home with first-time homeowners through this wonderful self-help housing initiative located just north of Athens City. Students will build alongside families who will live in the completed home.  No construction experience necessary.
Meets on Saturdays from 12:30-4:00pm
Group Leader: Mo Farunia

Dinner at Timothy’s
Make and eat dinner with and for residents of the Good Works Timothy House in Athens. As an act of solidarity with the residents, students will have the opportunity to get creative in the kitchen by using only food that has been donated to the Timothy House. No cooking skills required; students can count on getting mentored by a person with cooking knowledge!
Meets on Sundays from 4:00-7:30pm
Group Leader: Addie Vondenbenken