LEWISTON — On Monday, Jan. 16, the YWCA will host a Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service to build on Dr. King’s legacy of service. The aim is to celebrate the holiday with a day where people of all ages and backgrounds come together to improve lives, bridge social barriers and move closer to a “beloved community” that King envisioned.

This event will bring volunteers from the YWCA, Lewiston Housing Authority, Bates College, Tree Street Youth and local businesses to paint murals, ceiling tiles and walls of the YWCA to provide a lasting legacy in the building.

This project was created through a process of identifying needs of one of the many community partners in the Lewiston area. Both youth and adults have been planning an event which will unite the Lewiston/Auburn areas, as the YWCA is a facility used by both communities. Within Lewiston, it will unite the different cultures by recruiting volunteers to serve from all different backgrounds.

The project will happen on Monday, Jan. 16, at the YWCA. Depending on the pace of the volunteers, the project could last between three to six hours. An estimated 50 volunteers are planning to engage in this project.

In regards to the planning of this event, there are three key players: Kathy Durgin-Leighton, the executive director of the YWCA, Carla Harris, the manager of resident services in Lewiston Housing Authority, and Erika Landry, the Americorps VISTA volunteering for the housing authority. However, the youth of Lewiston will have a voice in what projects they would like to do to beautify the YWCA, by attending after school programming that will be used as planning time for the service day. Up to 15 people are involved in planning the event.

The mission of the YWCA is to “end racism and empower women.” Part of LAAHDC’s mission is “to assist the Lewiston Housing Authority in fulfilling its mission by promoting the design and implementation of social, physical, housing, and economic growth programs to benefit its low income families.” It is the mission of Lewiston Housing Authority to provide decent, safe and affordable housing, free of discrimination to eligible persons who are in need of housing assistance and, in so doing, promote economic uplift and personal growth. This project will address the missions of all three parties.

This project will bring people together from all walks of life in hopes to unite the difference and find a common ground for all. The community served will benefit from this project because they will have a lasting legacy in the building. Whether they sew a quilt, paint a mural, a ceiling tile or walls, their work will last throughout the years.

The service project will reflect the legacy of King and the purpose behind making a national holiday a national day of service. It will unite community partners by creating new partnerships for those involved.

The YWCA is an amazing resource, but for residents in the Lewiston Housing Authority, most are unable to afford access to the resources that the Y has to offer. However, with the beginning of this partnership, that issue will be addressed, and brought to light. It is part of the mission that having all the resources is great, but if those who need them most are unable to access them, what can we do differently to make them accessible? If the residents of the Lewiston Housing Authority are granted opportunities to access the resources at the YWCA, then the quality of life for the individuals and community as a whole will increase.

In appreciation for the hard work to be done during this project, the YWCA has offered a free pool party for all participants.

The murals will reflect the ideals that Martin Luther King Jr. held in his own beliefs. These ideals are equality, justice and peace.

Volunteers will be given opportunities to reflect on their service throughout the day. It is hoped that an MLK Day of Service video can be created from testimonials or written thoughts that will highlight all the great work done by the volunteers. By being available to the community at large, the video will be used to create interest for future events in the community and as a keepsake for the YWCA and Lewiston Housing Authority.

For more information, contact Kathy Durgin-Leighton at the YWCA at 795-4050 or email at [email protected], or contact Erika Landry at [email protected].