Covenant Youth of Alaska A Dream for an Auto Shop Program Equipping and discipling young adults to be skilled and faithful workers
B
ig dreams flow whenever CYAK Executive Director Byron Bruckner is around. One dream was to offer an alternative training to traditional education to young adults living in the Aarigaa House. So when retired pastor and independent auto body worker John Lamson connected with Byron, the shared dream and vision resulted in something incredible.
Volume 16 | Issue 5 October 2020
to support themselves, as well as their future families,” John continued. After moving boxes around and clearing the space, the Aarigaa House garage became home to the program. Aarigaa House Resident Director Karl quickly jumped on board with the vision:
“The vision is that we could get an accredited curriculum Moving to big cities can bring challenges for young adults so we could have a certification of completion. It would be from small rural communities. Both Byron and John saw an something tangible young adults could take opportunity to help bridge to an auto body shop and say, “I know what “This ... school equips the gap. I’m doing.”
students with skills needed to The program is entirely free for students “Many want a new start, but lack skills needed to be support themselves, as well because of the self-sustaining nature of the productive and profitable work. Three Aarigaa community members as their future families.” in cities. Finding safe and are already involved with the program. stable solutions can be more “There is a strong element of discipleship. John is a retired difficult than expected. Work and relationships are two big pastor and he has a lot of wisdom to offer. He lives a issues in their struggles,” John shared. generous and loving life, which is great for young people to An Auto Shop Program meets a need in both work be proximate to,” Karl reflected. and relationships as it provides useable skills for work What started as a dream is beginning to equip these young opportunities and discipleship in the way of Christ. adults as skilled workers with a solid foundation in their faith The program equips young adults with the skills needed to go as it intersects with their work. from purchasing a damaged, or even totaled, car, to getting As this program grows, if you are interested in hearing the car completely ready for resale. The focus is on people updates, follow us on Facebook or Instagram. Or if you’d skills, investment skills, and trade skills. like to give to the program, visit our website for more “My desire is to help these young people step into a viable information: www.cyak.org/donate. Funds may be utilized trade. I believe it will give them hope and a future. This for purchasing new projects and supplies. type of technical school equips students with skills needed