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When national and global traumas are overwhelming it’s best to focus locally. Last fall, my husband and I had the privilege of attending an orientation for new volunteers with Hancock County Habitat for Humanity in Orland. After many years of admiring former President Jimmy Carter’s work with, and advocacy for, Habitat for Humanity, my husband and I finally decided it was time to learn more about the local organization.
We met two welcoming, knowledgeable and professional staff members and a group of interested area residents, some with prior Habitat experience and others with various skills to offer.
A required PowerPoint was part of the morning’s program and the content on “Safeguarding” struck me as poignant then and now. Habitat for Humanity has high expectations for those on the work site: Treat others with dignity. Demonstrate compassion. Do no harm and hold oneself to the highest ethical standards. Not allowed: bullying, exploitation, abuse of power, or dehumanizing behavior. Retaliation for reporting? Not allowed. Sounds like a prescription to live by and expect of our leaders in government.
During our brief sessions helping with a current home project nearing completion, we have met and learned from dedicated individuals who commit countless hours to Habitat.
Recently Hancock Habitat received a boost to their Aging in Place modifications from the Maine State Housing Authority and will break ground on a new home this spring.
Interested in volunteering or donating where ethics still matter? Visit: www.hancockcountyhabitat.org
Katie Greenman
Orland