Clinton Welton, a junior at Valparaiso High School, recently completed his final Eagle Scout project at Opportunity Enterprises’ Annabelle Group Home, where he built a work table for the garage, raised flower beds, and a garden swing.
Having been involved with scouting for six years, when it came time for Welton to complete his Eagle Scout project, the decision to work with OE was relatively easy since a friend of his had also done his project with OE, and found the agency easy to work with.
After planning his project with input from Annabelle Group Home Manager Lisa Allison and Assistant Manager Kim Cornett, Welton decided to focus his efforts outside the home and build things that would allow the residents to better enjoy gardening at their home.
Welton spent a year and a half on his project from planning to delivery, and organized many work days on weekends with the youth scout members, as well as members of his own troop, Troop #963 in Valparaiso. Like any aspiring Eagle Scout, he also had to handle the administrative aspects of his project.
Cathy Kuchenmeister, Volunteer Coordinator at OE said, “Clinton listened carefully and he designed and built items that the group home needed. We are grateful for his contribution.”
“The assembly and delivery were the easiest parts of the project,” shares Welton. “The paperwork was definitely the hardest part!”
Outside of scouting, Welton participates in football and wrestling at Valparaiso High School. Welton also enjoys taking things apart and putting them back together, and is considering pursuing a career as a mechanic.
Boy Scouts interested in completing an Eagle Scout project with Opportunity Enterprises may contact OE Volunteer and Intern Coordinator Cathy Kuchenmeister at (219) 464-9621, ext. 283 or cathy.kuchenmeister@oppent.org.
Since 1967, OE has been a non-profit organization which works to maximize self-sufficiency and enrich the quality of life for individuals with disabilities. Today, OE serves 1,100 adults and children with disabilities in Porter County and throughout Northwest Indiana. For more information, visit www.oppent.org.