In every community, some neighbors struggle to maintain safe and livable homes. Usually, the issues are minor repairs that accumulate over time, but sometimes they are significant problems that make a home unsafe. In the Chapin area, one local non-profit has been quietly addressing these needs for more than two decades. That organization is GOoD Works, a 501(c)(3) ministry dedicated to helping families live in safer, healthier homes.
Founded in 2002, GOoD Works exists to improve the living conditions of people in need by providing essential home repairs. The organization undertakes projects of all sizes, including plumbing, floor repair, roofing, electrical work, door installation, well and septic system repairs, porch and step repair, and wheelchair ramp construction. What sets GOoD Works apart is its local, faith-based mission. Inspired by the words of Matthew 25:40, “The King will reply, Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” The group sees every project as an opportunity to serve both God and neighbor.
For over 20 years, this non-profit ministry has grown a strong presence in the community, working directly with families who need the most help. Whether it’s repairing a roof or making a home easier to access for someone with disabilities, the heart behind the work is always the same: to respond to needs with compassion, Christlike love, and practical solutions.
Like many non-profits, GOoD Works depends on the generosity of others to carry out its mission. Funding is provided by individuals, local businesses, churches, and other organizations. Most work is accomplished with the help of volunteers, resulting in no cost to the families receiving assistance. However, some repairs, such as septic systems, HVAC units, or certain roofing jobs, require the services of professional contractors. In those cases, donated funds allow the organization to cover the extra expenses. Bringing in a professional for these types of jobs ensures that families receive safe solutions.
The organization is small but mighty. GOoD Works has just one paid employee, Executive Director Mary Higginbotham, who oversees the entire non-profit. Everything else is volunteer based. This model allows more resources to go directly toward helping families. Higginbotham has been the Executive Director of GOoD Works for 11 years but has worked in the non-profit world for 25 years. Before stepping into this role, she volunteered with GOoD Works through her church. As residents of Chapin for over 20 years, she and her husband, Billy, are very involved in the community. The couple has two boys, Wilkes, 17, and Landry, 12, who both attend Chapin schools. The family is active in their church, the Unity Church of Lake Murray, and stays busy with local activities, including Boy Scouts, Chapin High School football, and the Rotary Club.
If funding is the backbone of GOoD Works, volunteers are its heartbeat. Projects could not move forward without people in the community willing to give their time and skills. “Volunteers are crucial to our success. We couldn’t do our projects without them,” said Higginbotham. Some volunteers have handyman experience and can take on skilled repairs. Others may not have the skills to do more complex projects, but are eager to lend a hand with painting, cleaning, or yard work. She continued, “We also welcome groups who may want to organize a volunteer workday. Often we have churches, businesses, and civic organizations serve together on a GOoD Works project. These efforts of every volunteer not only accomplish much-needed repairs but also strengthen the sense of community.”
Every project is different, but the goal remains the same: create safer homes for families in need. Sometimes that means addressing urgent repairs, such as fixing a leaking roof or building a wheelchair ramp, or simpler needs such as cleaning up someone’s yard or painting a portion of the home. Currently, GOoD Works is undertaking a very extensive project of replacing an entire home for a disabled client whose house is beyond repair. A refurbished mobile home will take its place, offering a safer place for her to call home. These kinds of projects highlight the range of work the organization takes on and the importance of both volunteers and financial support. Without both, families facing overwhelming challenges would not have anywhere else to turn.
Over the years, many moments have left lasting impressions on Higginbotham and the volunteers of GOoD Works. One experience that stands out to Higginbotham involved “Mr. L.,” an elderly client with an intellectual disability who was living alone in a home that had fallen into disrepair. “It was shocking and heartbreaking,” shared Higginbotham. “When I got back to my office, I cried. But, thankfully, that’s not the end of the story. With a great group of volunteers, we were able to help him, and it’s those moments that stand out the most.”
Another memorable story comes from a visit with an older woman whose husband struggled to climb the steps into their home. She worried constantly about his safety. When she learned that GOoD Works could build a ramp at no cost, she was overwhelmed with gratitude. She asked why anyone would do that for free. Higginbotham told her, “Because Jesus calls us to love and serve our neighbors.”
These stories reflect not only the practical repairs but also the emotional and spiritual impact of the work being done by GOoD Works. Each project is more than meeting physical needs; it is an act of care and a tangible sharing of the gospel. For those in the Chapin area and beyond, there are many ways to support GOoD Works. Volunteering time, donating funds, and praying for the ministry are all valuable contributions. The needs are ongoing, and the more people who get involved, the greater the impact.
GOoD Works will host their annual Live Nativity on Tuesday, December 9th, from 5:30-7:00 pm at 115 Birchtrace Court in Chapin. There will be live animals, a live nativity cast, music, refreshments, and crafts.
Whether you have years of repair experience or simply a willingness to help, there is a place for you at GOoD Works.
GOod Works
118 St Peters Church Rd.
Chapin, SC 29036
803-345-2030