[vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″ shape_divider_position=”bottom”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”1/1″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text]Two years ago we were contacted by a young man named Justin Bernal. At the time, this 16-year-old was an uprising junior at Saugus High School. He wanted to create the first ever Homes 4 Families Student group for Saugus High School. Justin met our construction team on site and we explained the dedication required for such a group. Firstly, he would have to get a teacher sponsor that would be willing to supervise his on-campus meetings and be willing to supervise his team on site on Saturday’s. Then, he would have to get the club approved through his school’s administration and board. He would have to create a student board of directors for this club and hold weekly club outreach meetings one day a week, during lunch. He would need to grow a dedicated group of students that would be willing to volunteer both on the construction site for the early morning Saturday Builds and do fundraising and outreach off-site. Justin was up to the task.
Justin enlisted the help of Mr. Klipfel. Mr. Klipfel is the Social Studies Department Chair at Saugus High School. He also has a five-star rating on rate my teacher. This is no easy task! Particularly because he is the APUSH teacher. There are comments for him such as “He changed my life!,” “Best Teacher I’ve ever had!” and, “His dedication and passion inspire me to be a better human being!” Upon meeting Jim Klipfel for the first time, we could see why. Mr. Klipfel attended every build with the students and worked equally alongside the students. He promoted passion and respect along with hard work by example. Justin could not have chosen a better sponsor for his club. Jim Klipfel taught his student’s dedication to something bigger than yourself. He taught time management, always instilling the importance of school first. Mr. Klipfel is truly an asset to Saugus High School and to Homes 4 Families.
Justin worked hard and by his first build, he brought a group of over 20 student members to volunteer. His clubs work ethic and passion was incredible. Time after time, they completed projects we felt would take all day in mere hours. The jobs were always completed with enthusiasm and great attention to detail. Justin and his club worked tirelessly both on site and off. They volunteered on-site at least two times a month and did incredible fundraising through the Santa Clarita Elks club. Many high school clubs hold cupcake sales, pizza nights or even fundraise during football games by selling snacks. Justin had bigger plans and approached the Elks about his club supporting their dinners as servers, in turn, they would then receive tips. The Saugus High School Homes 4 Families youth group just made a donation of $1327.27. We are so very proud of you all!
Justin was a member of the ROTC, President of Homes 4 Families Saugus High School youth group and we are proud to say has been accepted into Embry Riddle Aeronautical University. Justin has been mentoring a new President to take his place this coming fall. Brooke Goldstein will take over as President. Like Justin, she will serve for two years as President. We wish Justin all the very best and would be thrilled to have him back on site whenever he is in town.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″ shape_divider_position=”bottom”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”1/1″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”5956,5955,5953″ layout=”3″ gallery_style=”1″ load_in_animation=”none”][/vc_column][/vc_row]