Wilson Teens Help Renovate House Of Dreams

WILSON, N.C. — They call it a dream house. Teens from the Wilson Boys and Girls Club are renovating a home for a family who lost everything in Hurricane Katrina or for a local family in need. The group spends their Saturdays hammering, painting and even plumbing.

"It's fun," said volunteer Rakia Canty. "It gives me like a push to do more things. It's really interesting. I've never done anything like this before."

"It's fun, but I like it because I like helping people," said volunteer Devors Horne.

It's all part of an ongoing mentoring program that teaches teens practical skills, teamwork and money management.

"We want these kids to understand there are a lot of options moving forward, so they understand their future is their own," said Wilson Boys and Girls Club representative James Maynez.

In the end, the teens working on the home will get more out of it than just the experience. When it's finished, they plan to auction or sell the house. The new owners will give it to a family in need, but the money made in-between will go into a trust fund to help the teens go to college.

Without the money and this experience, some of these teens might not have the chance to continue their education. And there are big goals within the group.

"I really want to attend Penn State," said Horne.

"I want to be an early-childhood educator and work in a daycare and probably start my own business," said Canty.

Several local businesses and contractors have donated supplies and time to the project. The Carolina Panthers are also a sponsor. The teens plan to finish renovating the house by the end of May.