Two weeks after graduating with a degree in geology from Ohio State University, Shelby Brewster packed her life into a small sedan and headed west for an AmeriCorps trail crew position in Idaho.
Shelby had an amazing experience; nature was her office and she had the opportunity to create and conserve hiking trails all over Idaho for people to access and enjoy. But, as much as she loves being outside and getting her hands dirty, she knew she had a calling for a more urgent way to serve people and their communities.
With her interests heavily focused on helping women in need, she volunteered with a domestic violence nonprofit law firm in Austin, Texas. During her time as a volunteer at the nonprofit, she found a Resource Development AmeriCorps VISTA position at Habitat for Humanity of Snohomish County.
Once again, she packed up a small sedan and landed on the west coast to play a role in supporting Habitat for Humanity’s vision to provide decent and affordable housing for families.
“I chose to serve with Habitat for Humanity because of their direct impact on local communities here in the U.S. and across the world.”
She was eager to gain essential experience working with nonprofits, like learning how to engage the community, organize events and write grants.
“I’m excited to be a part of a team dedicated to helping alleviate the housing crisis in Snohomish County, especially considering the particular urgency in communities in the Greater Seattle Area.”