Breanna walks into the Habitat for Humanity Tucson HabiStore office with bright lavender paint up her arm and her blue HabiStore apron.
“Charity! You have to come and see the shelf we’re painting!” She announces with unbridled enthusiasm. Charity, the HabiStore volunteer manager, promises to see the shelf as soon as possible and Breanna returns to her task.
“Breanna has only been here a month and she’s already gotten Five HabiHero Award nominations by customers,” says Charity. The HabiHero award recognizes volunteers who demonstrate outstanding service in advocacy, collaboration, safety and or communication.
“Breanna always has a nice, warm, inviting smile when I walk into the HabiStore.”
~Reads one HabiHero Award nomination form.
“Breanna has helped me many times… Her attitude is the best.”
~Reads another.
It’s easy to see why Breanna has gotten such positive feedback. The recent high school graduate’s enthusiasm is infectious and she loves to interact with customers. Breanna volunteers four days a week at the HabiStore and her hours serve a dual purpose. Not only is Breanna giving back to her community, she’s also gaining experience to enter the workforce. Breanna participates in a job development skills program through Elite Community Services, an organization whose goal it is to empower self-sufficiency and independence for families and young adults. Belinda, Breanna’s job coach sought out the HabiStore to partner with as a way to prepare her current clients for future employment.
“Following instructions, consistency and professional interactions with customers are all valuable assets that my clients are learning through volunteering here,” says Belinda.
Breanna is excelling in all three. She enjoys answering the phone, greeting customers, placing and getting orders out, and organizing inventory. She is willing to help with everything and anything, all with a smile on her face.
Once she graduates from the program, Belinda will help Breanna find employment and stay in touch to be a source of support for her in her new endeavors. Breanna loves to interact with people so her desire is to work in customer service. With her shining personality, confidence and great attitude there is no doubt that she’ll accomplish what she sets her mind to.
