On a crisp Tuesday morning, March 18th, 2025, a black Job Corps van pulled up to a bustling construction site on Fox Street Southwest in Grand Rapids, MI. The site was alive with the sounds of hammers, saws, and the chatter of volunteers. This particular day was special, as five eager Job Corps construction students, led by their dedicated instructor Donavon Larabel, were about to make their mark on a red, two-story single-family home that was well on its way to becoming a haven for a future homeowner.
The students—Tyrese White, Dremmani Hallowell, Jalen Barnes, Myka Armisted, and Jamar Lyons—stepped out of the van, ready to contribute their skills and energy. After a brief but thorough safety orientation with the Habitat for Humanity site supervisor, the team split into smaller groups, each with a specific task to tackle.
Dremmani and Myka took charge of the porches, meticulously painting and caulking the posts. Their careful work ensured that the wood would be protected from the elements, adding both beauty and durability to the home’s exterior. Meanwhile, Jalen, Myka, and Tyrese turned their attention to the interior, sweeping, vacuuming drywall dust, and removing debris from the main floor. Their efforts created a clean and safe environment for the next phase of construction. Down in the basement, Dremmani and Jamar worked diligently to clear out any remaining clutter, ensuring every corner of the house was spotless.
The highlight of the day was the kitchen counter installation. Under the watchful eye of the Habitat site supervisor, the entire team collaborated to measure, level, and secure the countertops. It was a lesson in precision and teamwork, as they carefully aligned the countertops with the base cabinets, applied adhesive, and fastened everything in place. The students also tackled the installation of bathroom vanity tops, with Jamar and Jalen ensuring that everything was perfectly aligned for the final plumbing connections.
Throughout the day, the students demonstrated not only their technical skills but also their strong work ethic, punctuality, and positive attitudes. They communicated effectively, worked seamlessly in teams, and adhered to all safety protocols, including the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and safe handling of tools. Their dedication did not go unnoticed; community members stopped by to express their appreciation for the students’ hard work and contributions.
As the day drew to a close, Donavon Larabel reflected on the experience. “Today gave the students a chance to apply their skills in a real-world environment while contributing to something meaningful,” he said. “They walked away with not only hands-on experience but also the pride of helping build a home for someone in need.”
The impact of their work was significant. The Fox Street home was now one step closer to being move-in ready, thanks to the efforts of the HBI/BCT students. Their day of service not only supported Habitat for Humanity’s mission but also provided invaluable, on-site learning experiences for these future tradespeople. It was a day of hard work, learning, and community spirit—a day that would be remembered by all who were involved.
