MINT HILL, NC – One Yard Away is a nonprofit outdoor lawn and landscape maintenance company that provides grass cutting, light shrub and tree trimming, leaf and yard debris cleanup and weed pulling free of charge to those in need.
“I recognized the need [for a service like this] several years ago when a neighbor lost a spouse,” explains Owner Chen Correll. “I offered to help with the lawn for several months until she had time to find a longer-term solution. Then a similar situation happened; a friend lost her husband. She had so many arrangements to make but was worried about keeping up with her yard. Then last year, another neighbor was impacted by a sudden health condition.”
In the Fall of 2021, Correll formed One Yard Away to serve people like those neighbors and friends, people impacted by sudden health conditions or hospitalizations, active military deployments, as public servants injured in the line of duty. In its inaugural season, One Yard Away has already been able to help several clients in need.
“We have been helping a youth pastor whose wife was diagnosed with cancer,” offers Correll. “We have also helped a client recovering from surgery, and an Army wife whose husband was recently deployed. Helping with yard work has allowed these neighbors to focus on recovery and family.”
“Providing basic lawn care services can help alleviate stress, scheduling issues, and financial burdens during a time when our neighbors need to focus on themselves,” continues Correll. “One Yard Away can help make recovering from these tough times much easier.”
A Mint Hill resident since 2007, Correll currently serves Mint Hill and Matthews as well as broader Mecklenburg County and select locations in Union and Cabarrus counties. When he’s not helping his neighbors, Correll works as a machinist at a large energy company and enjoys watching his two daughters play the sports they love, soccer and dance.
One Yard Away is completely run by volunteers, and Correll is actively seeking volunteers who are willing to help with lawn care, event planning or other service opportunities. In May, the nonprofit began hosting monthly volunteer events where others in our community can join for a few hours servicing those in need. A date and time for the June volunteer event will be announced soon.
If you’re unable to provide help with yard work, there are many other ways you can assist One Yard Away with its mission, like simply helping to spread the word. “We need word of mouth and testimonials to help tell our story,” says Correll. “Like our Facebook page (@AwayYard), share our posts, and tell your church community, HOA, or other groups that you are involved with.” You can also donate on One Yard Away’s website (https://www.oneyardaway.org/). “We are currently developing the capability to ‘sponsor a lawn.’” adds Correll. “Check back on our website for more information in the coming weeks.
“This is a need not only in our community but really around the country,” concludes Correll. “We are starting off small, but my dream would be for this to catch on and expand across the country. We have hearts to serve and we love our community. Check out our website at https://www.oneyardaway.org/ if you have any questions or to request help.”
