VISIONS works in concert with local organizations and/or community residents who identify potential service projects. Construction is at the core of our service not only because it is often a pressing need in the host communities but also because construction teaches many skills: technical, problem solving, efficient work habits, teamwork, and self-confidence, to name a few.

Our service work meets other important goals. One is the end result and reward itself—the structure we build or renovate. Another is the learning that naturally occurs about the culture and different way of life by interacting, socializing and working with our hosts. Our underlying objective is to introduce teenagers, through construction-based and other service work and on-site living, to cultures very different from their own, and to challenge participants to mature thoughtfully and reflectively within a community of peers and adult mentors.

The work we do has the added benefit of serving as our thank you gift to the host communities who welcome us into their lives and homes