Congratulations, Graduates!
Congratulations to the 2022 HabiCorps Graduates!
Among the congratulations of friends, family, and staff, the 2021-2022 cohort of the HabiCorps Workforce Development program celebrated graduating in late August at Habitat for Humanity of the Chesapeake headquarters.
Graduates Dontell, Francen and Shayla brought friends and family members as they received diplomas and accolades from the staff and instructors.
“This was our sixth session and I know it was a crazy one with COVID, but you stuck it out and we appreciate it,” said Steve Bolton, Habitat Chesapeake CCO. “Thank you, from the instructors and everybody here.”
Over the past several months, these HabiCorps members worked onsite, learning valuable skills in construction and the trades like carpentry, electrical, and HVAC. HabiCorps trainees typically serve in 10 member groups, receiving close hands-on training with tools and materials.
This cohort served 700 hours, supporting the construction of Habitat Chesapeake homes across Baltimore including in Milton-Montford and Pigtown. Trainees who served in these communities adapted to rapidly-changing conditions due to COVID-19 and brought determination and grit to their work.
From left to right: HabiCorps instructor Gary poses with graduates Shayla, Dontell, and Francen, and HabiCorps Program Director Kristen Chappelle
Upon graduation, trainees receive an education grant to help support further training or career aspirations, and these graduates are eager for their next steps. One is excited to become an entrepreneur, opening their own business, and another looks forward to pursuing more education. Regardless of which trade or career they pursue, they can now approach it with the confidence of having completed an AmeriCorps program with new skills in their toolbox.
“Connect with other AmeriCorps members, you never know who you’re going to find who is a member like you,” said Kristen Chappelle, HabiCorps Program Director. Nationwide, AmeriCorps has over 250,000 members and trainees, serving in communities for a variety of organizations. HabiCorps is an AmeriCorps workforce program and as such, all HabiCorps trainees are AmeriCorps members. In completing this program, HabiCorps graduates join a network of experienced service members with a legacy of impact in their communities.
Interested in HabiCorps? Visit habitatchesapeake.org/habicorps to learn more about the program & learn how to apply!
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About Habitat for Humanity of the Chesapeake
Habitat for Humanity of the Chesapeake (www.habitatchesapeake.org) brings people together to build homes, communities, and hope. Since 1982, Habitat for Humanity of the Chesapeake has built more than 780 homes in 19 communities, providing a brighter future for 2,700 children and family members. Homeownership is proven to transform lives – improving health, increasing children’s chances of academic success and offering an opportunity to build wealth across generations. Likewise, homeownership enhances neighborhoods by bringing tangible investment, engaged, long-term residents, rising property values and a sense of community.
