Summer AmeriCorps Member Spotlight: Corinna

Corinna is one of our new summer AmeriCorps members and she brings a unique perspective to site each day. Before she joined AmeriCorps, Corinna got her degree in Graphic Design. Then she proceeded to do various jobs while raising her children—this included things like working at Aldi and even being the wedding photographer for Habitat's own staff member Anne Elliott-Thul. But this Habitat connection wasn't how Corinna heard about the AmeriCorps program.  

After Corinna's children left for college, she became an empty nester and was looking for new opportunities. That's when one of her friends mentioned the AmeriCorps program and that it could be a good option for Corinna. Previously, Corinna had been unaware that Habitat and AmeriCorps even offered this program. Corinna mentioned some doubts that she had early on because she thought that the program was likely for recent college or high school graduates.

While these groups do make up the majority of the AmeriCorps members that we typically have, there are some really great benefits for older members. For example, members who are 55 or older have the option of passing their education award along to a child or grandchild if they use it during a certain timeframe. 

Before joining this program, Corinna's only experience in construction and homebuilding was with her own home. However, now Corinna is feeling more and more confident on site every day. When asked what her favorite part of her service has been so far Corinna said that "I've learned something new every single day." As a homeowner herself, these skills will always come in handy. Now, she can also pass those newfound skills along to her friends and family members. 

Beyond the benefits of the living allowance and the education award, which are also given to summer members, Corinna also emphasized the many opportunities for making new connections and meeting new people. 

After her summer term ends, Corinna plans on looking for additional opportunities within Habitat. Whether that takes the form of an additional term of service or a full-time job is unclear. Either way, it's clear that Corinna wants to stick around and enjoy the full array of benefits that this program has to offer. 

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