By Levi Roush
3/18/2025
I am an AmeriCorps Member and I will GET THINGS DONE!
This is the final line of the AmeriCorps pledge that I , along with the 11 other members of team Maple 3, swore before embarking here to Vermont.
AmeriCorps is a federal agency that brings people together to tackle the Country’s most pressing challenges, through national service and volunteering. The AmeriCorps NCCC program provides an opportunity to members 18 to 26 years old to spend 10 months getting things done for America while developing their own leadership skills. Members serve on teams to help communities prepare for and respond to disasters, build homes, and help the environment.
After graduating from Muhlenberg College this past spring with my Bachelor of Arts in Theatre, I was eager to travel to new places and have new experiences. Upon researching opportunities that would allow me to do just that, I stumbled upon AmeriCorps NCCC. I found the application online and luckily had enough time to meet the winter term deadline. Fast forward to February, I flew from home to Vinton, Iowa to begin the 10 month period of volunteering my time to serve the Country’s communities.
I am ecstatic that my service with AmeriCorps has brought me here, to the beautiful Green Mountain State. Growing up in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, I find great comfort in being surrounded by mountains. Even further, I am honoured to be volunteering with Bennington County Habitat for Humanity. The opportunity to serve this local community and acquire new leadership and practical skills are two big reasons why I joined the Americorps NCCC program.
After only one week of service, I have gained significant knowledge about the process of building a home. As someone who hopes to own a home myself someday, this knowledge is invaluable. I have learned more about when and how to use certain power tools, which was a goal I hoped to accomplish while serving on this project. Not only have I formed new friendships with the 11 other individuals on team Maple 3, I have also made new personal and professional connections with the Bennington County Habitat board members, staff, and volunteers that will serve me for the rest of my life.
I couldn’t be more thrilled to start my journey here in Vermont with Habitat, and can’t wait to see where the rest of this journey takes me and the team. Thank you, Bennington County Habitat for Humanity, for having me and the team.
