AmeriCorps Alumni Spotlight: Theresa Hofeldt

In order to show our appreciation for our awesome AmeriCorps members, we talked to some AmeriCorps alumni to learn more about their service experiences with Twin Cities Habiat for Humanity. Theresa Hofeldt served as an On-site Volunteer Coordinator for a full year and was always a source of enthusiasm and kindness. 

When she was considering applying for new jobs, Theresa knew she would be interested in working for Twin Cities Habitat and saw openings for AmeriCorps positions. She did additional research about what AmeriCorps entailed and the various benefits, like the education award and living stipend—and decided it was a good fit. 

After she started, Theresa really enjoyed working with volunteers, teaching them new skills she was learning onsite. Oftentimes AmeriCorps members are charged with teaching volunteers skills they learned earlier that morning, which can be very rewarding and challenging. Additionally, when she was describing her favorite parts of her term of service, Theresa recalled a personal connection:

"There were so many highlights it's hard to choose. One was definitely my Site Supervisor, Jimi. He was the best boss ever, and we had such a fun time working with the volunteers. Second was my cohort group and the service trips we bonded on in the fall and spring."

Every year, AmeriCorps members have the opportunity to go on a service trip with their cohort in the fall and spring. Theresa talked about how she enjoyed cracking jokes or playing board games with the rest of her cohort and how the group bonded on these trips. These trips vary based on where each cohort decides to go and where they decide to serve. During her service year, Theresa's cohort went to a build site in Virginia, Minnesota, and had the chance to do some team building exercises and play games during their free time. Their spring service trip had stops in St. Louis, Nashville, and Memphis. 

Theresa also highly recommends looking into the program and spending a year or a summer working with volunteers and fellow AmeriCorps members. Since the end of her service, Theresa has begun pursuing a Master's Degree in Leadership and Student Affairs at the University of St. Thomas with an interest in career services. 

You or someone you know could be the perfect fit for Twin Cities Habitat's AmeriCorps program! Learn more.