McGloin Resident Hall Council spearheaded an effort to acquire a new community partner this semester.
The residents of McGloin found themselves lacking a community partner following the Cortina Community’s move to Deglman Hall. As a fix to the situation, McGloin inherited Girls Inc., Deglman’s former community partner.
Although Girls Inc. provided a convenient solution, it could only be temporary due to its lack of male involvement.
“We really wanted a community partner where both guys and girls can volunteer,” McGloin Service, Faith and Justice Ambassador, Stasha Thomas said.
Thus, the McGloin executive team went into action.
The process of acquiring a new community partner did not proved itself an easy one.
“Forming a new community partner hasn’t happened in a long time. The whole process was kind of new for everybody” Thomas said.
After screening a list of viable organizations, the team sent out a survey to McGloin Hall residents asking them to choose their favorite of the top three. The residents decided on Habitat for Humanity.
Vice president of Administration and Finance for McGloin, Natalie Mancuso shared her support for the decision.
“(Habitat for Humanity) is versatile,” Mancuso said. “I think it will benefit a wider group of students who want to volunteer. No matter what you do, there’ll be something for you.”
Habitat Omaha relies on volunteers for 80 percent of its workforce, putting them to work at building, painting, demolition, and a plethora of other jobs. The opportunity to acquire a source of new volunteers appealed to Volunteer Relations & Coordinator, Turner Morgan.
“A partnership with McGloin would provide us with a consistent stream of young, energetic, and open minded volunteers,” Morgan said. “With McGloin as a partner, students could potentially help us both flesh out our work week and help us with unique challenges.”
The benefits of such a partnership extend beyond simply providing volunteers.
“The core values of both organizations are very similar – Service to others, importance of family, the undisputable worth of each individual and an appreciation for diversity,” Morgan said.
The McGloin executive team moves forward with hopes that the new partnership will aid in Habitat Omaha’s mission.
“There’s always help that needs to be done in a community, any community,” Mancuso said. “Even something small like painting a house can lead to bigger things.”
IRHG General Assembly approved legislation for Habitat Omaha to become McGloin Hall’s community partner Feb. 10th. It will now pass to the Department of Residence Life for final approval.