Sierra Scott, a cadet-level Girl Scout with Service Unit 406, Troop 3857 from the Highland Village area, earned the highest leadership award available to Girl Scouts in grades 6-8, the Silver Leadership Award.
The Silver Award project can be done as an individual, as in Sierra’s case, or in groups of four or fewer Girl Scouts, and consists of a minimum of 50 hours serving a need in the community outside of Girl Scouts that is sustainable.
Scott chose to focus on working with Serve Denton’s Wheeler House, a unique place that houses a clinic run by Health Services of North Texas providing affordable healthcare to the community, as well as interim housing for families that will be run by Giving Hope, Inc., a local nonprofit agency that assists people who are facing homelessness.
Four families of single moms with kids can live in The Wheeler House at one time, and will be able to stay for as long as six months with counseling and life skills to transition into a more permanent home.
Sierra chose this project because she wanted to provide a safe, fun atmosphere for less fortunate kids who temporarily reside at the shelter. She created the plan and design for this kids room then presented her ideas to the Serve Denton board of directors for approval.
Once approved, she took on extra chores and jobs with her family to earn the money to fund her project. She used some of the funds to buy new and used furnishings, collaborated with The Painting Company to have the room painted with the colors she selected, and conducted a book drive to fill the bookshelves for the children. 
She spent the summer months painting murals on the walls, adding a chalkboard, repainting the used furniture and purchasing the items needed to make the room come to life.
Throughout the fall, Scott worked to set the room up and held drives to collect toys, stuffed animals, puzzles and toiletries used to create 50 hygiene bags to offer families staying in the shelter.
She even donated two cases of Girl Scout cookies!
“I hope the kids enjoy this fun and special room that I created for them to play in for years to come!” says Sierra Scott proudly.
The Wheeler House, recently held a grand opening celebration for the new Kids Room and placed a special plaque on the wall honoring Sierra Scott for her contributions.
Heather Gage, operations director for Serve Denton, said, “The space Sierra worked on has become a safe, fun and engaging environment for kids who have probably never had a play space of their own.
“This room is far and beyond the favorite of everyone who has toured The Wheeler House. It’s the centerpiece of the building and really demonstrates the hope that Sierra and we all have for the families that will live there,” she said.
Stacey Campbell, a public relations specialist, writes for the Girl Scouts. photos were provided by Shawntell Scott, the troop leader.
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