Habitat of Decatur and Morgan County has been chosen as one of three projects across Alabama for titleholders in the 2015 Miss Alabama pageant to work as a part of “Miss America Serves”--- a national day of volunteer service presented by Children's Miracle Network Hospitals. The project, which will take place on Saturday, April 18th will raise funds for the children’s hospitals in Birmingham and Mobile, while addressing the unique needs of Habitat for Humanity.
“The Miss America Organization has opened up my heart to a world of community service that I may have never been able to experience otherwise” said Melanie Roberts, Miss University of Alabama at Birmingham. “I am honored to be a part of helping build a new home for a family in need with Habitat for Humanity in Decatur. The opportunity to volunteer on Miss America Serves Day with all my pageant sisters and make a difference in a family’s life, is a day I will never forget!” commented Roberts.
“Morgan County Habitat has been building houses since 1991”, said Mindy Thwing, Executive Director, who has been with the agency for the past 12 years. “I believe every individual has a responsibility to help others. I enjoy doing that. We have built over 70 homes for needy families and are presently building 4 homes per year”, she said. “We have subdivisions in both Hartselle and SW Decatur. All our prospective homeowners must contribute over 400 hours of ‘Sweat Equity’ (building alongside other volunteers), attend budgeting and homeowner classes, as well as build other Habitat houses before their home is built. Habitat homeowners have a 30-year mortgage at 0% interest. Their mortgage payments help fund future Habitat homes”, she continued.
“Words can’t describe the feeling that comes from giving someone the keys to their new house. In doing so you give people back their dignity, you help build ‘the family unit’, you create new taxpayers and neighborhood leaders, not to mention future college graduates”, said Thwing. “It is gratifying to be a part of an organization that creates hope. You can see it in the eyes of every new homeowner. When you help Habitat, you don’t just build houses--- You build hope--- You build families. Who wouldn’t want to work for that cause?” she concluded.
“Each human being has a duty to give to another simply because WE ARE ALIVE”, stated Rachel Wammack, Miss University of North Alabama. “We often go through our day and forget that having a living soul is truly magical. When we think about it long enough, our insignificant, selfish complaints dwindle into nothing and meaningful humility appears instead”, she said. “Out of the gratitude for the ability to wake up and take a breath each day, we must make others breathe easier by lifting burdens one way or another. Just like Habitat for Humanity volunteers, the hundreds of Miss America family members across the nation march to the beat of this banner thought of kindness. This organization makes me proud of my actions, and others are inspired to serve as well….. Like the giddy smile of a five year old, it's contagious! Just the adventurous thought of serving these families excites my soul and satisfies my heart. Pass the hammer”, Wammack concluded.
About the Miss Alabama Pageant
Alabama is home to a remarkable and respected organization with a rich history that spans more than nine decades. This not-for-profit organization awards college scholarships to outstanding young women of our state, and its mission is more critical than ever in this time of inadequate funding for education in Alabama. The Miss Alabama Pageant stands as a shining example of what can be accomplished when college women are challenged and encouraged to achieve ambitious goals.
The community service aspect of the Miss Alabama program propels contestants into arenas of prominence where policy is made, laws are enacted or changed, crucial funding is realized, and lives are positively affected. Contestants work for causes represented by their personally chosen platforms which may include Cancer research and education, organ donation, child enrichment and mentoring programs, senior citizen advocacy, arts and cultural organizations, and many others.
About Habitat for Humanity International
Founded in 1976 by Millard and Linda Fuller, Habitat for Humanity International is a nonprofit, ecumenical Christian housing ministry dedicated to eliminating substandard housing and homelessness worldwide and to making adequate, affordable shelter a matter of conscience and action. Habitat invites people from all faiths and walks of life to work together in partnership, building houses with families in need.
About Temporary Emergency Services of Tuscaloosa
Temporary Emergency Services Inc. (TES) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping individuals and families in crisis situations. Churches in the Tuscaloosa Community funded TES in 1945 to serve clients unable to receive assistance from local social services agencies. TES assists individuals and families in crisis situations in order to allow the clients to survive the immediate crisis they are encountering. TES operates its programs efficiently and effectively, thereby maximizing its limited resources, and the productivity of its employees. TES utilizes programs and services that have been successful for other public, private, and nonprofit organizations.
