Introductory Statement: Keith Wasserman

Agent of Change – Good Works, Inc.

You may not agree with Keith’s faith, you may not appreciate his beliefs, but his passion for justice merits a second look. His empathy for those who suffer at the hands of injustice is amazing. He will earn your respect in spite of your differences.

Keith is a leader with the ability to convey vision to the people who staff and volunteer at Good Works. Keith calls what Good Works does a service of worship. More often than not, those who come to do “good works” find that they receive much more than they give.

Background: Keith was born and raised in the Cleveland area. As a teen he moved to the Dayton area. Through a high school friend, he was introduced to the person of Jesus Christ. Keith’s life was radically changed. He stopped selling and using drugs (a five year habit).

After high school graduation he enrolled at Ohio University in Athens, Ohio. He earned a bachelor’s degree and then pursued an associate degree in Mental Health Technology. While completing an internship at My Sister’s Place (a shelter for abused women), Keith considered another group who were often denied justice. In 1980 these people were referred to as displaced. Keith’s dream grew. He believed God was calling him to be a true neighbor (see Luke 10:25-37 for the parable of the Good Samaritan).

In 1981, Keith began inviting displaced people to live in the remodeled basement of his home. In 1984, the country realized that these people were not merely displaced, but truly homeless (a new term) – before other organizations were formed, Keith was already befriending, helping and providing others an opportunity to serve the homeless of Southeast Ohio. Good Works, Inc. founder and executive director is Keith Wasserman. What started in his remodeled basement has expanded, grown, changed, and evolved.

God is the foundation of Good Works. The key elements reflect this foundation.

1. Focus on the Big Picture – “Unless the Lord builds the house, its builders labor in vain.” (Psalm 27:1) All they do (and are), is for, by and in Christ.

2. Practice Waiting on God’s Leadership - “The Lord replied, ‘My Presence will go with you …’” (Exodus 33:14a) While this is unconventional and rather inefficient by today’s standards, they wait for God’s direction and his providing. For example, they do not borrow money for this ministry. Good Works has been always been debt free. Unless they have full funding for a purchase, it waits.

3. Prayer – Each week the staff of Good Works comes together for an hour. They sing, pray and worship. This helps them become unified, a true team. While it may not seem profitable to pay people to worship, this time together renews them, helps them know each other, and keeps them focused on the ministry.

4. Half of Good Works’ ministry is to “do it” – to love and serve the widow, the fatherless and the stranger! The other half is to create an avenue for other people to “do it” with us. 

This foundation is essential to them. I’m not asking you to agree with it. I’m hoping you’ll understand it enough to consider things from their point of view. Good Works is built on this foundation. It’s how Keith and the staff operate.

Introduction – A short description about who the homeless are and statistics specific to Athens and Rural Appalachia Ohio.

A Little Bit about Keith and History of Good Works*

Qualities and Characteristics of Keith*

Good Works Timeline*

Photos … The Faces of Good Works*

Conclusion & Personal Reaction

*All information on these pages came from Good Works website, their literature, and my interview with Keith.