My Nonprofit Reviews

As Assistant Coordinator of Student Volunteerism and Service-Learning at Ringling College of Art and Design, I am always striving to direct my volunteer programing toward student interests; here, the students' interest always lies in when the next Habitat for Humanity project will be! I have not been to one Habitat build where students left disappointed. The staff at Habitat always gives them a background about the home and family who will be living in it, starting the day off by making the students feel personally invested in the work they are about to start. Some of the students who come frequently are greeted by name by the staff, which makes them feel really special. Coffee, snacks, water and Gatorade are always available for volunteers who need them, and students are made by staff to feel comfortable taking a break if they need one (although they rarely do). The occasional home-baked treats given on snack breaks make students feel like they are a part of the Habitat family. The best part is seeing the students' faces at the end of the work day when they have seen a house go from unpainted to painted, or a lawn from bare to lush; they are so aware of their impact by the end of the day, and the staff never hesitates to thank them for their time. It is absolutely no wonder to me why the students are always asking to come back to Habitat for more volunteer opportunities. As a coordinator, I couldn't ask for more from a service-learning experience than the students seeing themselves as an important part of the great things that are happening in this community, and having fun while doing it. I want to thank Habitat for Humanity of Sarasota for helping our students become more socially responsible young adults!

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