Thank you Americorps Members

Each year Beaches Habitat brings on four new staff members from the National Organization, AmeriCorps. AmeriCorps, similar to the Peace Corps, is a 1,700 hour volunteer program where members volunteer one year of their time to a specific organization. Also AmeriCorps staff is required to put together a service project, which the four chose to hold a workshop for homeowners about going green. At the end of July, Rob, Mia, Bethany, and Joe will be moving on to the next chapter in their lives after serving a year with Beaches Habitat.
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Bethany Petkoff , 25, served in many departments at Beaches Habitat, but focused on family services and education. She contributed to the newsletter, website, and after school program. After she is through, she plans to move back to Canada and coach her University volleyball team. Bethany also hopes to continue her work with non-profit organizations. Bethany says she will miss the staff, partner families, volunteers, but especially the kids she worked with and built relationships with over the past year. She also offers her advice to the upcoming AmeriCorps staff, “Be open-minded and see and do as much as you can while you are there.”

Rob Kennedy , 22, served as a vital part of the Beaches Habitat construction crew. He has had a hand in building almost every Habitat home on Mealy Lane and Shangri La Drive. Originally from California, Rob always loved the West Coast surf, but now discovered a new appreciation for the East Coast and Atlantic Beach. Along with missing the sandy beaches, he will also miss the homeowners that he worked with to help complete their Habitat homes. Rob plans to continue using his construction skills when he returns to California by applying for a four year carpentry apprenticeship program. When asked what the new AmeriCorps staff should expect, Rob says “There is a lot of give and take that comes along with being a staff member. Work hard and play harder and always enjoy the ocean while you have it.”

Joe Mainardi , 23, contributed to the construction of an entire neighborhood at Shangri La Drive. Working with the construction crew, Joe had a part in creating a new life for families with shelter in a Habitat home. After leaving Beaches Habitat, Joe plans to move to Alaska with his new wife, Darby. There he will begin his work with the United States Forest Service. As for the future, Joe hopes to one day attend graduate school. Joe tells new AmeriCorps staff, “to go out and do things when you get off work at Beaches Habitat. Explore the Jacksonville area and maximize your time here.”

Mia Railing , 25, not only aided in the construction of new Habitat homes, but built communities for new homeowners. She also worked closely with the Women’s Build. “I feel blessed I was able to work with such an incredible group of women,” says Mia about the Women’s Build group. Mia says she will miss “the people I worked with at the construction site, all of the volunteers, homeowners, office personnel, and all of my new friends I have met at Beaches Habitat.” Mia remains undecided, “with a big question mark,” as to what her future plans hold. Mia knows in her heart though, she will stay with non-profit organizations. Mia tells future AmeriCorps members to “keep and open mind and an open heart. Soak up all the new experiences next year.”

All four AmeriCorps staff members truly contributed to Beaches Habitat’s mission to eliminate substandard housing in Atlantic Beach by putting God’s love into action. Beaches Habitat would like to thank each AmeriCorps staff member for their selfless dedication and service over the past year. We wish you all nothing but the best for your future endeavors. Good Luck and God Bless.