LEWISTON —  Several youth from Goodwill Industries’ Northern New England Take 2 program recently helped Museum L-A with projects at its future site at 1 Beech St.

Program participants spruced up the grounds and relocated wood floor boards in sections of the building that are no longer standing. In bringing the boards under cover inside the building, “they helped us preserve them for the future to be integrated as part of the new design,” said Rachel Desgrosseilliers, Museum L-A’s executive director. “It seemed like tall grass and weeds grew up overnight this summer and they did a great job in getting our ‘front yard’ back into shape. We are very appreciative of the help they have given us.”

At Take 2, 18- to 21-year-olds who have a history of involvement in the juvenile justice system participate in a full-time community service learning program. Youth restore relationships with their community as they work toward their GEDs, receive credits through the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) and learn work readiness and life skills.

All program elements are woven into community service projects performed in collaboration with local nonprofits such as the one at Museum L-A.

“When we started the project, I immediately told my family members what I was working on with Take 2,” said Kris, one of participants. “They were glad that we were giving back to the community in a way that would benefit future generations to come.”

Program Site Supervisor Michael Iwans added, “Being part of such a great history of which Museum L-A represents is a great honor for all of us at Take-2. It is extremely fascinating to see a part of history saved, refurbished and rebuilt to show the history of L-A. The museum is a great place to have in this area.”