Upper Columbia Academy Students Volunteer

Students from Upper Columbia Academy spent Thursday morning, May 6, in Colville, helping complete projects for Hope Street Project while also getting a firsthand look at the impact recovery and community support can make. Approximately 30 students traveled from Spangle as part of the school’s Hope Task Force program, which sends students to serve local organizations. This year’s projects took place primarily at Bridges of Hope and the Hope Street Rest Stop, where students spent the morning spreading gravel and beauty bark, building a retaining wall and fencing, organizing parts of the thrift store, digging garden space, pulling weeds, and helping clean up the properties. Shelley Bacon, who started the Hope Street Project alongside her husband, Dr. Barry Bacon, said the partnership between the school and Hope Street has grown over the years, with students making the trip to Colville roughly six or seven times. She said the volunteer days are about much more than physical labor, giving students the chance to spend time alongside people in recovery, hear their stories, and better understand the struggles many people face. “They go back talking about the experience and really enjoying it,” Bacon said. “They’re super supportive of what we’re doing up here.” She added that the experience often changes perspectives for the students. “They realize it could be any one of us,” Bacon said. “They see them as people and hear their stories. I think it leaves a lasting impression.” One of those stories came from 28-yearold Brian Clark, a resident at Bridges of Hope, a home for those in recovery, who shared his journey through addiction and recovery with the students during the day. Clark said he was raised in a loving family and had every opportunity growing up, but addiction still found its way into his life during junior high school. He said the loss of his young cousin to leukemia deeply affected both his faith and outlook on life. What began with alcohol and marijuana eventually escalated into heroin and fentanyl addiction, arrests, and years of struggling to get sober. “For another year, I kicked and screamed against the idea of surrender, but deep down I knew I wanted to get sober,” Clark said. “I also knew I couldn’t do it alone or without a higher power.” After several failed attempts at recovery and continued run-ins with the law, Clark said he eventually came to Bridges of Hope, where he says his life began to change. “Today, I have hope, and for the first time in many years, I have faith,” Clark said. “I am living proof that addiction does not discriminate. But I am also proof that recovery is possible.” Bacon said stories like Clark’s are exactly why programs like Hope Street matter so much to the community. “We have people here rebuilding their lives,” she said. “The more we can help people get back on track, the more our whole community benefits.” Several students said the experience left a strong impression on them as well. “I feel like it’s important because we’re making an impact on people’s lives who may not have been in the greatest place,” Upper Columbia Academy student JJ said. “It feels nice to know that you’re making a positive impact.” JJ said this was his favorite Hope Task Force trip so far because the work felt meaningful. “I feel like here, I’m actually doing something that has a bigger meaning,” he said. Another student, Asher, said it was rewarding to return and see projects from previous visits continuing to grow and improve. “Seeing all the new things pop up, it’s really cool to see,” Asher said. “It shows that we actually do make an impact even though we might not feel like we do.” Student Mateo also reflected on the role faith and community support play in recovery. “I can see God everywhere here,” Mateo said. “In the building itself, in all these guys, and in the work they’ve done coming out of their past.” Bacon said the organization continues to rely heavily on volunteers and community support to keep its programs running, including the thrift store, recovery homes, and outreach services. Hope Street Project welcomes volunteers throughout the year and regularly organizes service opportunities and community improvement projects around Colville. For more information, visit hopestreetproject.org.