Jennie Proto: Making a Beautiful Place with HabiJax
Posted on: December 20, 2013Florida
“Some people look for a beautiful place. Others make a place beautiful.” --Hazrat Inavat Khan
AmeriCorps members (from left to right) Chanel, Wiliam, Britteny, Tara, Jennie (author), Michael, Lauren, Valerie, Maddy, and Han along with HabiJax staff member, Mr. Bob, pose with their handy tools.
On Saturday, November 16th, members of the North Florida Health Corps participated in a group service project with HabiJax. Alongside HabiJax staff, homeownwers, and other volunteers, AmeriCorps members put up vinyl siding. Through measuring, cutting, and nailing, members learned not only how to install siding, but about the experiences of the Habitat for Humanity AmeriCorps program and about HabiJax, itself.
AmeriCorps members, Tara and Han, demonstrate strong teamwork while putting up vinyl siding.
HabiJax, Jacksonville’s chapter of Habitat for Humanity, strives to eliminate substandard housing in its city by building and promoting high-quality, affordable housing that enhances neighborhoods and communities with several volunteers and prospective homeowners. In 2011 alone, the organization mobilized nearly 7,198 volunteers. We, the NFHC, were thrilled to have the opportunity to add to this number, strengthening a local nonprofit’s mission and vision and advancing in our country’s social innovation.
NFHC member, Jennie Proto, shares "Personally, I gained significant insight from the experience—about homeownership, hard work, and building family life. While preparing and installing each piece of siding, I kept thinking about the family that would soon move in—the family that would finally have a home. With my fellow NFHC members, of whom I greatly consider family, we were able to contribute to this great gift of peace, comfort, and joy."
Collectively, the hands of the homeowner, volunteers, and staff members helped make this house a beautiful home. With each measurement, cut, and nail, each hand has placed its touch of love—making it a beautiful place.
AmeriCorps members William, Valerie, Maddy, and Michael take on the challenge of putting siding up on the home’s back shed.
