Carol Paster, co-chair of Habitat for Humanity’s Women Build Program recently visited Park Street Academy in Montclair where she gave a presentation to the children about Habitat for Humanity Newark and its mission to build homes for hard-working, low-income families in Essex County. Her presentation was part of Park Street Academy’s “Community Helpers Month.”
“Carol the Carpenter,” dressed in her tool belt and signature pink construction helmet, introduced more than 100 children, ages two through five, to Jojo the Builder Bear and showed them that working with tools is something that both boys and girls can do well.
All of the students had an opportunity to use hammers and nails, as well as c-clamps, drills and saws and each of them went home with a wooden product they made themselves. A model of a house was used to show the children what their homes might look like behind the drywall. Most importantly, the kids learned about volunteering in the community to help others and how hard work can also be enjoyable and rewarding.
Habitat Newark’s Women Build program has raised funds and swung hammers to build three houses in Essex County and they are currently working to raise funds for a fourth Women Build House. Beginners are welcome to develop abilities that may be useful in their own homes and to join with other women to create affordable housing for hard-working, low income families. Seventy percent of Habitat Newark families consist of single women and their children.
For more information about Habitat Newark, please call them at 973-624-3330 x 300 or visit them online at www.habitatnewark.org.
About Habitat for Humanity Newark
Habitat for Humanity, Newark, founded in 1986, is an ecumenical Christian ministry dedicated to building simple, decent homes for low income families in Essex County. Using volunteer labor and tax deductible donations of money and materials, Habitat for Humanity, Newark has helped 72 low income families move into new homes. Partner families contribute 400 hours of “sweat equity” in their home or other homes financed with zero interest loans.
