
Kearny Corps Hosts Electrical Workshop
by Hugo Bravo
This spring, The Salvation Army in Kearny, N.J., held its first Practical Electrical Workshop, a five-week course for members of the community to learn the basics of electrical work and repair.
Edgar Chacon, a member of the Kearny Corps men’s ministry, wanted to make others more aware of The Salvation Army and what it can offer the community.
“I and a few of the men in the men’s group are professional electricians. We all had knowledge and experience that we could share with others,” says Chacon.
He presented the outline of a free, five-week course to Lieutenant Emily Betts, pastor of the Kearny Corps. She agreed to set aside a room at the corps for classes and to promote the classes, now called the Practical Electrical Workshop, through social media.
The lessons started with the bare basics on electricity: what it is, and how it powers a home. From there, the students learned about how light switches work and about identifying and fixing electrical problems, such as faulty wiring and short circuits.
“Many of the men who attended the workshop already worked in construction and had some job training,” says Chacon. “Learning these electrical skills can increase their work opportunities and possibly help them earn more at jobs.”
The original plan was to have a certificate for every attendee at the end of the lessons, but Chacon suggested that the graduation and presentation to the students be done during Sunday service at the Kearny Corps. That way, participants could invite their families and they all would become more familiar with what The Salvation Army has to offer.
“Many in the community think that the corps is just a place to receive help,” says Chacon. “But we wanted to make sure that everyone who graduated knew that this is a church, and that their teachers are men of Christ.”
While the Practical Electrical Workshop has now ended, Chacon says there’s great interest at the corps in future lessons.
“Summers are very busy for us electricians,” says Chacon. “But we are still hearing from many people who want to attend our workshop. I’m looking forward to teaching the course again in the fall.”