Ann has volunteered for less than a year, though she’s already leaving her mark at Orange Habitat. She first volunteered a few days after her 15th birthday last November through her high school’s Youth United club. She went a few times during the school year but went consistently during the summer when she had more free time.

She’s enjoyed learning about construction. But she’s enjoyed meeting and working with the other volunteers the most. With school starting in a few weeks, she will head into the fall as one of our newest and youngest Crew Leaders. This role involves leading groups and teaching specific construction tasks.

“I think young people should get involved to figure out whether they like working with their hands,” said Ann. “You will learn so much even from one session that can be applied to your own projects. When I first volunteered, I was a student at a construction site with no familiar faces, but everyone here made me feel welcome and like a part of the team from day one. Now, just a few months later, seeing all the smiling faces, I’m so glad I chose to go. I look forward to being on the other end of advice and teaching others some tricks I have learned!”

Thank you, Ann, for your time and dedication to Habitat!