Habitat for Humanity East Bay

One day while out for a jog, Doug Radigan decided to pursue a different hobby. “I’ve never actually enjoyed jogging, but I didn't want to just quit, because jogging is one of those things that seems like a good habit.” Doug confessed, “I told myself I could only quit if I found something else worthwhile to do, like volunteering."

And so Doug came to Habitat for Humanity East Bay, where he serves as an office volunteer two days each week. “To this day I never go anywhere faster than a dignified shuffle,” Doug remarks with a wink.

Like many young professionals in today’s job market, Doug was recently laid off, but had lots of great skills that could be put to good use at a non-profit. Volunteer Coordinators Megan Sallabedra and Sonia Saverio were much impressed with Doug’s personality and background in economics, and enthusiastically invited him to join our office volunteer family.

“No one has ever described me as being handy,” Doug jokingly acknowledged, and yet his involvement with Habitat is a perfect fit. “What is important to me is the opportunity for people to change the structure of their lives so that they, and their kids, have an honest chance to make something of themselves.”

An incredible addition to our team, Doug often steps up in a leadership capacity. Megan and Sonia couldn’t be more pleased to have a volunteer help to train and manage other office volunteers. Always on board to complete whatever tasks need to get done, from data entry to T-shirt folding, Doug continually surpasses our expectations. Doug frequently expands his office volunteer role by updating procedural manuals and database information.

"Doug is truly an original. He brings a sense of humor to our work environment, while still being incredibly productive," Megan shares.

Habitat East Bay looks to individuals like Doug, who take on important aspects of our organization’s work, so that we may continue our mission. Grateful for and inspired by Doug’s volunteerism, Megan and Sonia admit that their jobs as Volunteer Coordinators became more manageable when Doug began helping out in the office.  Our Real Estate Development department has also seen Doug in action and values his volunteer commitment. Every Wednesday, Doug works closely with Alyssa Thunberg, Rehab Program Coordinator, and Louisa Galassini, Rehab Program Specialist, who confess they "always appreciate Doug's work ethic, dependability, and handsome demeanor."

Even while volunteering behind the scenes, Doug feels a connection with the families that Habitat serves. “The first time I met a partner family, I recognized their name from the data entry I had done to record their sweat equity hours for several months. I was excited to meet them in person, but I had to remind myself that they didn’t actually know who I was, and I couldn’t just happily run up to them and ask about their kids by name!”

Smart and clever, Doug’s attention to detail has helped Habitat East Bay’s office operations tremendously. From his work as our data entry specialist, to training new volunteers who come on board, we know we can count on this volunteer to get the job done.

Asked why he continues to volunteer with Habitat, Doug teased that “the Habitat East Bay people do a very good job of doling out coffee mugs and bumper stickers to their volunteers on a regular basis. At this point, however, I simply enjoy spending time with the people at habitat.”

It was a pleasure to present Doug with the Volunteer of the Month award. “Volunteer of the Month?!” Doug reacted humbly. “I would have been a happy with a half-chewed pencil and a raspberry Danish.”

“Also, Doug shares with a laugh. “I’d hate to have to take up jogging again… I live on a hill.”