Mary Colleran
Mary Colleran, our featured volunteer, has literally gone the extra mile for East Bay Habitat! She is an active member of the Family Resource Committee, a construction site volunteer, and she ran a marathon collecting pledges for our affiliate! Read more of Mary's interview below to find out why she so strongly believes in EBH's mission.
What’s your day job?
I'm the Volunteer Program Manager at Little Brothers - Friends of the Elderly.
Besides work and volunteering with EBH what other things do you do with your time?
This is difficult to answer without it sounding like a personal ad. I enjoy cooking, running, camping, reading, going to movies and spending time with my friends. Pretty much any time spent outdoors is a good thing for me.
How did you first get involved with EBH?
I began volunteering with HFH during college and have volunteered at a couple different affiliates since. I went on a Global Village trip to Tanzania and it solidified for me the fact that HFH is truly one of the best organizations in the world. When I moved to Oakland, I knew I wanted to volunteer with EBH but wanted to participate in a different aspect of the organization. So I went to the Build the Dream breakfast and signed up to participate in the Family Selection Committee.
What is your current role and level of involvement with EBH?
I'm on the Family Resource Committee and am the Chair of the Community Building Subcommittee.
What motivates you to continue with EBH?
I truly believe in the mission and the people I've met through EBH are great. EBH is continually breaking new ground (no house building pun intended) particularly when it comes to working on the revitalization of the communities in which EBH homeowners live. Plus, there are usually good snacks at the meetings.
Why do you make volunteering for East Bay Habitat for Humanity a priority?
There are a number of reasons. I really like living in Oakland so it's important to me to volunteer in the community. I work with volunteers at my job, and see how important they are to our organization, so it's important for me to try to give some of my time to another organization. Mostly, it's because the people are great and I truly believe in the mission.
What have been your most memorable experiences?
There have been various times when Tony Kam goes to great lengths to keep meetings fun and interesting, including party hats and games that people don't necessarily understand. Also, the dedication of the Fruitvale homes was really memorable. I had been on the Family Selection Committee for that project so it was great to see those families finally get their keys.
What are your future projects or goals at EBH?
My goal is to continue working with the Family Resource Committee. I enjoy working with that committee because we deal with the fact that when homeowners move in, they're not just moving into a new house, but a whole new community.
How does the mission and philosophy of EBH fit in your own life values?
EBH's mission is a perfect fit with my own life values. When people ask why I volunteer with EBH, I tell them its because I completely believe in what they do and the people are great. I value relationship building and the power of people working together to create positive social change, and that's exactly what I see EBH doing.
If you could be any tool on the construction site, what tool would you be and why?
A snap line. It's fun and colorful but very practical.
What is your favorite job on the construction site?
I have lots of favorites... hammering is something I can do decently well, demolishing things is fun, foundation work is hard, but good for the biceps, and I always enjoy using power tools. I like the variety of jobs on the site and learning new things.
What is it like working with construction staff? With the AmeriCorps members?
Working with construction staff and AmeriCorps members is fantastic. The construction staff has superhuman patience and an incredible ability to share their knowledge and skill with construction-novices like me. The AmeriCorps members continually bring new energy and ideas to EBH.
What is it like working side by side with families who are completing their sweat equity hours?
Oakland is a great place to live and I really enjoy working with people to build more affordable, really nice, homes here. It's great to work with people to build their home and get to know them at the same time. Exchanging our stories and sharing sandwiches during lunch is just as important and gratifying as hammering the nails and raising the roofs.
