***This article was written by Aundrea Serna, a participant of The Kewanee Voice Student Journalism Program, funded by the Harry Anderson Memorial Trust.
Wethersfield’s FFA students built benches to bring hope to children affected by domestic abuse. In collaboration with school pride and community service, the students have made more than just benches, they have created symbols of resilience and brightness.
Braveheart Children’s Advocacy Center, located in Cambridge, is an advocate center for children who have faced domestic or sexual abuse. Their mission is to provide a safe, supportive environment, and enhance community response to child abuse by focusing on prevention, intervention, and advocacy.
Braveheart reached out to Wethersfield FFA Adviser Kate Rashid to assist with the project. Rashid said she didn’t hesitate at the opportunity to contribute to such a meaningful project.
“When I was asked, I said yes immediately; it gave us an opportunity to do community service, and because it was a good cause for children, children who are not blessed with a good outcome so to speak,” Rashid said.
The FFA funded and donated the benches. They learned not only valuable technical skills but also the impact of contributing to a cause that helps others, Rashid said.
“It wasn’t just about building a bench- it was to make a lasting impact. The students learned how to give to the community, and not expect to get something back in return,” she said.
The benches will be the base of an art project displayed in the Braveheart Center. The plan is for every child that tells their story their handprint will go on this bench, and later be turned into a flower. The goal of this was to offer the children something bright and joyful as they come to the center, according to the center’s Community Outreach Coordinator Felisha Rogers.
“A lot of the kids who face domestic abuse don’t want to come forward because they are embarrassed. But knowing that people in the community, like these students, came forward in support of them, gives them the strength to come forward and spread awareness. When you’re a child who is abused everything makes you feel alone, but these students gave reminders to those children that they are not alone,” said Rogers.
The benches, soon to be a part of Braveheart’s space, will provide a sense of community. With each child’s handprint transforming into a flower, the project represents the healing of the children and how there is always brightness even when you think there is none.
For the students, this project wasn’t just about construction but about building hope and showing how small acts of kindness can make a profound difference.
To donate to Braveheart’s mission by making a donation or to volunteer in other ways, click here.
