The AmeriCorps volunteers are Sarah Oberg of Chicago; Kip White of Charlottesville, Va.; and Emily Jackson, a native of Carthage. Sims considers himself a native, too, having come from West Virginia as an eighth-grader.
Congress created AmeriCorps in 1993 to expand opportunities for young Americans to serve their country, build up their communities, and earn monetary award for their own education in return. The volunteers receive a monthly stipend for their living expenses, the majority of which is paid by the national headquarters.
Oberg, a recent graduate of Loyola University in Chicago majoring in social work, joined her church group at the Jimmy Carter Work Project (JCWP) in Alabama this past summer. She met AmeriCorps volunteers there, who encouraged her to sign up.
“I chose the Moore County affiliate because they provided housing,” she said. “However, I’m really enjoying the slower pace, the Southern accent and working with wonderful volunteers and homeowners. I’m also coaching soccer, which is a nice diversion.”
White agrees about Habitat’s volunteers and homeowners.
“They’re the best,” he said. “The staff is so much fun to work with. It’s such a worthy and effective organization that I’m happy I took a break from my studies at Dartmouth. This has been an incredibly fun, rewarding, and educational experience with the warm welcome we’ve received. After college, I may go into teaching or architecture, although now the construction trade has peeked my interest.”
Jackson, the first church relations coordinator for Habitat is ideally suited for the job. She founded the Reaching Out Through Christ ministry in Carthage and is its pastor. She is a full-time student at Sandhills Community College, majoring in ministerial studies and philosophy. She has a son, a daughter and three grandchildren.
“My goal with Habitat is to obtain a contact person in all Moore County churches, so that hopefully each church can partner with us to eradicate poverty housing here,” Jackson said. “We have a team of seven, who are helping me get the church youth involved as well. As a teacher assistant for 15 years, I’m also working with the schools to involve them with Habitat.”
Sims joined the Habitat team in July, replacing Tom Compa when he moved up to become construction manager. Sims had his own construction business and had volunteered with Habitat through his church.
“When Tom suggested I apply for the position, I felt this was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up,” he said. “I’ve never regretted it, because I work with the greatest people daily, who lovingly give their time and experience for those who need it and appreciate the volunteer efforts.
“We’ve started Women on Wednesdays (WOW), in which only women come build for Habitat on that day, learning the building skills without the intimidation of more skilled volunteers around. With this program we hope to be build another Women’s house before long.”
“We’re so fortunate to have such highly qualified individuals join our Habitat team,” Executive Director, Elizabeth Cox said.
The phone number of additional information on volunteering is 692-4173.
