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Out There: Eagle badge project helps Family Center

May 24, 2007

Jon Brux went to his dad for suggestions for his project to achieve the Eagle Scout award, the highest award in Boy Scouts.

Mark suggested The Family Center, which provides shelter to victims of domestic abuse. Mark and Jon, 16, had helped out many times at its old location, next to their church, St. Lawrence.

"They always have something to do here. Always," said Jon, an Assumption High School sophomore.

The staff gave Jon lots of suggestions, and he picked the one he thought would be the most challenging -- building a utility shed.

"We excavated it. ... We laid all the concrete," he said. "Me and my dad went out and we planed all this wood ourselves. So all the lumber was free."

Only about 2 or 3 percent of Scouts earn the Eagle award, Jon said.

But he's got the support of friends and family.

His dad and his uncle, Dale Brux, were Scouts, but never achieved the award. Mark regrets it to this day.

"We all got the girls and the car syndrome," Mark said with a laugh. "I want to make sure my son doesn't miss out."

The purchase of the lawn equipment and construction materials for the shed was made possible by a grant from the First Congregational Church UCC Community Outreach Fund, administered through the Community Foundation of South Wood County.

"It's been a pleasure, too, to see the father-son team do this," said Arline Hillestad.

As executive director of the domestic abuse center, she said that spirit exemplifies that men can be a big part of making a positive difference at the center.

Mark said Jon was moved by the number of women and children helped by The Family Center.

"It's such a great place," Jon said. "It is. I'm amazed at all the women and children and families that can come here and have a place to live, and the food and clothes that they can get."

Out There is a Tuesday through Saturday column. For more, go to http://forums.wisconsinrapidstribune.com and click on the Out There link.