On Saturday, March 19th, we were thrilled to have 27 new Cornerstone participants graduate from our 8th Cornerstone Training course! Cornerstone Training is a 3-week intensive, hands-on primer course in the basics of residential construction. The purpose of the program is to help our volunteers develop their skill sets and enhance their contribution to the lives of our partner homeowners. The graduation day started out with a build as the 27 volunteers put their new skills to the test on two of our rehabilitation sites in the City of Lynwood. Students arrived early for painting and siding before meeting in the afternoon for the graduation celebration! The students along with crew leaders and Cornerstone teachers gathered for a short ceremony where program participants received certificates for their completion of the course and heard from one of our Habitat partner homeowners. Esperanza Miramontes and her family spoke to the group about how homeownership will impact their lives and how they look forward to moving out of south central Los Angeles and into a secure and safe home in Lynwood. Esperanza promised “not to cry” as she thanked the volunteers for their dedication to the mission of Habitat for Humanity and working on her home. After the program, the graduates, staff members and volunteers enjoyed food and refreshments, generously donated by Piara’s Pizza! Upon completion of the Cornerstone program, participants commit to volunteering on our build sites throughout the year. Site supervisors are already reporting seeing these graduates on site and are thankful for the skilled volunteers and all they do to help propel the mission of Habitat for Humanity. The next Cornerstone Training Program is slated to begin in June of 2011.
To learn more about the program and how you can get involved, click here.
