[06/20/02]Lillie Davis had no idea what was in store when she told her daughter’s teacher, Lucy Young, that her house was in need of repairs.

She’s finding out this week as teens and adults are repainting and rescreening her house at 2631 Hannah St. They’re also painting furniture and replacing missing support beams that had caused the back of the house to sag.

“I admire these young people,” said Davis. “They went to school all year and took time out (this summer) to come and help a stranger,” she said. “It’s a blessing.”

Davis, 41, is one of several area residents benefiting from the Christian ministry Service Over Self, a volunteer program sponsored by the Vicksburg cluster of Methodist churches that aims to better the quality of life for the elderly, underprivileged and those unable to receive help by any other means.

Davis wasn’t aware Young was involved with the SOS program.

“I didn’t know anything about (the project),” said Davis, who lives in the home with her friend, Manuel Bland III, and seven children, including two nieces and two nephews.

Young, who is now involved for the fourth year with SOS, said the program is what living in a community is all about.

“You can give your money to foreign missions, but I think we would be remiss if we didn’t look in our own back yards and around our hometowns to see there are lots of needs,” she said.

The volunteers are also working on homes at 2023 Oak St., 105 Clear Creek Drive and 159 Cain Ridge Drive and at Good Shepherd Community Center on Cherry Street.

Bob Moss, owner of Moss Construction, said the sites are generally manned by two or three adults and about 10 teens.

He is on hand this week to advise crews and to help procure materials.

Colby Hopkins is one of the teens working at Davis’ home.

“You help yourself all the time,” the 13-year-old said. “It feels really good to help someone else.”

“It’s been a rewarding experience for me,” said Sean Jarvis, 17, part of the crew at Cain Ridge Drive, where several teens helped paint, replace screens and rebuild a back porch for Minda Hogan, who is disabled.

“You get to see them smile,” he said of helping the homeowners. “They’re really appreciative of the work you’re doing and they don’t take anything for granted.”

Materials for the projects are donated by local businesses or donors.

Moss said the homeowners in need are found through Good Shepherd, the City Planning Department and the United Way of West Central Mississippi.

Adult volunteers prepare food for the teens and deliver needed materials to the sites.

The SOS project originated with Christ United Methodist Church in Memphis and began locally in 1992. It now involves Hawkins, Bradley’s Chapel, Gibson Memorial, Porters Chapel and Redwood UMC.

Young said the SOS experience will have a lasting influence on the teens.

“I think it’s something that will stay with them for the rest of their lives,” she said. “It’s such a positive experience.”