Recently Habitat for Humanity of Freeborn and Mower counties has brought on a new member to work for a year. The position is through the AmeriCorps Vista. Please take the time to read his introduction and welcome him:

“My name is Ojoye Akane and I am an AmeriCorps VISTA (volunteer in service to America)  with Habitat for Humanity of Freeborn and Mower counties. Prior to coming to Habitat for Humanity, I was working as a success coach with the Austin Public Schools serving families and children.

“My first exposure to Habitat for Humanity was when I was taking a college course in program evaluation and assessment and was given an assignment to go and research a nonprofit agency in the local community, not funded by the government, and write a paper about its performance. After talking to the executive director, I was impressed by its vision of a world ‘where everyone has a decent place to live and its mission to show God’s love by bringing people together to build homes, communities and hope.’ I started to believe that what Habitat for Humanity stands for can only be a manifestation of God’s work through man’s hands.

“So, when the 2014 summer associate VISTA opportunity presented itself, I jumped at it with my whole heart. I learned a lot from the hard-working volunteers, staff, partner families, community members and businesses that are contributing significantly to making this world a better place. I felt that I could do more by getting more involved through a yearlong AmeriCorps VISTA opportunity. I now work in a fund development and communications role to ensure that Habitat for Humanity of Freeborn and Mower counties can partner with more families in the years to come.

“I have an MA and BS in urban and regional studies from Minnesota State University, Mankato. I am married with five beautiful children. I am happy to be part of Habitat for Humanity and am looking forward to working with all of you who are trying to make the world better for everyone.”

Ojoye is very excited to be a part of Habitat for Humanity Freeborn /Mower and we are lucky to have him on staff. Habitat looks forward to a very productive year with him. We invite you to stop by and meet Ojoye and find out what his plans of service are for the future of Habitat.

 

Patsy Fontes

Austin