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Nonprofit organizations across our valley do an impressive job providing what resources they can to those in need. One such organization is unusual in that the buy-in it demands from those who receive help can lead to a generational desire to return the favor.
Over the weekend, Mike Palmer became the recipient of the 114th home built by Habitat for Humanity of the Mid-Ohio Valley. One of the organization's requirements is that a potential homeowner must be part of building the home in question.
"No one becomes a home owner of a Habitat home without putting in at least 200 hours of sweat equity," Board President Mike Tucker said. "Mike (Palmer) did that, and kind of blew that away, with 500 at this point. That's amazing and commendable."
500 hours on his own house, that is. Palmer is also planning to continue volunteering.
"It's just an amazing experience," Palmer said. "I recommend volunteering for Habitat to anyone, or providing meals, or just anything. You can learn a lot from the volunteers."
Indeed, it sounds as though Palmer knows a thing or two about learning from example, as he credits his mother, Chris Painter, who raised him in a Habitat for Humanity home.
"Thank you for taking that step and for Mike being able to grow up in a Habitat house and learning those values," said Executive Director Robin Stewart. "You certainly taught him hard work."
Others considering volunteer work could find similar fulfillment in lending a hand to build a Habitat for Humanity home. In the meantime, congratulations to Palmer for achieving this goal with a sense of gratitude and continued purpose.