Good Works, Inc.

Hello, my name is Sophie Mather-Smith.

I grew up in Athens and have been, physically, very close to the Good Works community for most of my life. My dad has been a professor at Ohio University, here in town, since I was in first grade, so I attended the local schools and got to know some of the community. However, I was not really involved in the Good Works community until about eight years ago, when I decided to do an internship with Good Works as part of a gap year after graduating from high school. Learning about different kinds of communities was important to me at that time, and growing up, I had mostly been immersed in the university community in town, due to my family’s connection to Ohio University. Then, I did Good Works’ Appalachian Immersion internship for a few months of my gap year, and I discovered that I was both immersed in Appalachia and in a Christian community that wascommitted to my spiritual growth as I lived and served with them.

As I became part of the community, I learned many things about myself, one of them being that connecting with the Earth through gardening energizes me. I had the opportunity to lead Good Works’ gardens, and I loved partnering with people around Athens County who have gardening knowledge to pass along to me as I, along with many volunteers, helped them to care for their gardens.

I have also been energized by working with our Summer Kids’ Discovery Club for several years. This role has given me special chances to connect with local kids and local community.

Because I am spending more time with my new daughter this year, this season with Good Works is looking a bit different for me. I have still been able to spend some time working in gardens. I also get to connect with people who are interested in volunteering with this community. I have also been enjoying connecting with youth of all ages who come to Friday Night Life and experiencing the joy of engaging with them in activities they enjoy: from shooting hoops to playing badminton to drawing impressive pictures with chalk on the basketball court.

Through all of this, I have the opportunity to connect with others who care about building into their community and forming positive, healthy relationships with their neighbors. May we all experience more of the kingdom of God through His work in this community.