In episode #33 we talk with Amy Pehrson, Director of Community Engagement Center at Gustavus. Amy directs the 10 community service programs at Gustavus and our focus for this podcast was the Habitat for Humanity program. Over the years we have talk with many pre-health students that have participated in this program and some of the take-aways are they have a more clear understanding of affordable housing challenges, learn new building skills, meet new friends and have a fun experience. There are two opportunities for participating in the Habitat program, the Fall Break Home Building Trip (Bemidji Fall 2021) and the Alternative Spring Break Home Building Trip (TX,CO,VA,MD sites 2022). We recommend you listen to learn more about this unique service opportunity and consider applying to participate in the future.
Every spring break, Gustavus sends approximately 50 to 100 students to Habitat for Humanity affiliate sites to participate in the Collegiate Challenge, an alternative break program. Students spend a week constructing houses and rebuilding communities across the nation. The Four sites for Spring Break 2022: Amarillo, TX, Loveland, CO, Lexington, VA, Bel Air, MD
The 10 volunteer community service programs: Habitat for Humanity, Big Partner/Little Partner, Language Buddies, Elders, Pound Pals, Hoffman Learning Center, Wednesday Friends, Gustie Buddies, Study Buddies and (New) Community Center Buddies. See website for additional information: https://gustavus.edu/communityengagement/serviceprograms/
Amy has worked at Gustavus for the past 31 years in different roles (Director of Mentoring and Peer Education, Office of Church Relations, Finance Office and the Center for Servant Leadership). Amy earned her master’s degree from Viterbo University in Servant Leadership in 2015; and is a 1991 Gustavus graduate (majoring in Elementary Education).
