WISH LIST $100: 3 pairs of construction boots for trainees; $1000: five sets of carpentry tools; $12,000: used truck for transportation to charitable work projects

Seven years ago the vandalized, 140-acre farm in Brookeville was beyond repair: today it is home to Our House, a program for young men aged 16-21 looking for a second chance. Students log 40 hours a week year-round, learning construction and renovation. They rebuilt the dormitory in which they live and, since 2003 when they were first featured in the Catalogue, have completed a classroom, enlarged a shop, and built a lab, learning in the process hands-on skills like window and door framing and drywall application. With the financial support of Catalogue donors they were able completely to re-build their historic barn and turn part of it into an art room. A new 100% "green" dormitory is next on the list. The farm received its "Organic Certification" from the State of Maryland and now grows crops and operates six bee hives. Projects with Habitat for Humanity, Capital Area Food Bank, local churches and state parks, and other Catalogue charities, provide real-world experience and a chance for students to use their talents on behalf of others. GED and life skills classes, along with group therapy and weekly community service, are all part of the program. And the program works: 95% of Our House graduates obtain their GED, and 85% are employed. Recognized by Washingtonian Magazine as one of Washington’s Best, awarded a Presidential Service Citation, a Thomas Jefferson Medal for Outstanding Public Service, and Oprah's Use Your Life Award, Our House is widely recognized as one of the best programs for at-risk boys, anywhere. When you give to Our House, you help rebuild a farm in Brookeville—and the lives of countless young men.

Richard Bienvenue, Executive Director 19715 Zion Road Brookeville, MD 20833 301-519-1019 www.our-house.org