MA: You just celebrated your 10 year anniversary volunteering with Asheville Habitat. What made you want to start volunteering with Habitat?

Barb: I really wanted to give back to the community. To find some way to say thank you for all of the help that Asheville has given me and my daughter. That’s what I wanted, and I knew Habitat was a great organization.

MA: Were you involved with other nonprofits before Habitat?

Barb: I volunteered for about two years with NAMI Western Carolina (National Alliance on Mental Health). I loved it and made some dear friends, but then I wanted to do something else. So one day I started volunteering on Thursdays at Habitat.

MA: Before Habitat, had you done this kind of administrative work before?

Barb: I worked for the state of Connecticut and that’s all I did for 30 years. I knew I wanted to volunteer in the office at Habitat. I’m more of the business side- greeting people, paperwork, filing, answering phones, that kind of stuff. Whatever anybody needs, I’m happy to do.

MA: What do you enjoy most about your volunteer shift every week?

Barb: Seeing my friends here is the best. You’re all like my second family. And knowing I can keep things organized, alphabetized, so people know exactly where stuff is supposed to go. I love what I do here. And I’m happy to help with any job that comes my way. As long as it’s not computer work.

MA: What draws you to Habitat’s mission?

Barb: Habitat gives people a chance to have a home. I love the thought of people feeling safe in their home and knowing their children will have a good place to grow up.

We are grateful for your service, Barb! If you’re in the administrative office on a Thursday, be sure to say hello and thank you to Barb. If you’re interested in becoming a volunteer yourself, whether in the office or elsewhere in the organization, view opportunities here.