Habitat for Humanity Volunteer Spotlight – Jennifer Doolin, Technical Writer at FIS

Name: Jennifer Doolin

Title: Technical Writer

Company: FIS

Industry: Financial Services

Please describe your volunteer experience at YP Impact’s event at Milwaukee Habitat for Humanity on Saturday, June 12.
Habitat for Humanity is one of those things that I have always wanted to do at least once in my life, so when the opportunity came up through YP Impact, I jumped at the chance to participate. I am so glad I did.

We had a great group of individuals, both through YP Impact and Habitat for Humanity. The seasoned Habitat for Humanity volunteers were quick to tutor us on the art of dry walling as well as how to use the various power tools. They encouraged everyone to get involved and by the end of the day we were all skilled at measuring drywall, using a router around the windows and doorframes, and tacking up drywall with an automatic drywall screw gun. It was great to see a room with nothing but bare studs take shape and look like a semi-finished bedroom or bathroom.

What made the experience even more meaningful was the opportunity to meet the very excited new homeowner. She was so appreciative of all the work we were doing and had photos of the various volunteers on her phone to remember all those who had helped to build her dream home. The Habitat for Humanity experience was certainly unlike anything I have ever done before, but I loved it so much I signed up to volunteer again next month!

Why do you volunteer?
I am so grateful for all that I have in life and I feel that it is my duty to give back to others and to the community.
In addition, I get a deep sense of satisfaction and inner peace when I volunteer, knowing that I am doing my part to try and make things better for others and the community. Equal parts selflessness and selfishness ;-)

Best volunteering memory?
Quite honestly, learning how to use the power tools and put up drywall with Habitat for Humanity is certainly up there at the top. I have a 9 to 5 desk job, so getting my hands dirty and doing some physical labor was a very welcome and rewarding change of pace.

What benefits do you enjoy the most about YP Impact?
The various volunteer opportunities. Each volunteer experience is different from the next, so I get to meet new people, learn new skills, and see some of the many charitable organizations that exist within the community. Organizations such as SHARE that I never knew existed until I volunteered with YP Impact.

What makes YP Impact unique?
I again would have to say that it is the various volunteer opportunities. It is always more fun to volunteer with friends and that is what YP Impact is; a collective of likeminded individuals who not only want to network and meet new people, but give back to the community as well.

Why do you think young professionals should get involved in YP Impact?
Giving back and getting involved; two things that make everyone a better person.