Volunteer Contact: Volunteer Desk (650)568-7342 volunteer@peninsula habitat.org More Profiles Home Volunteer Profiles Karla Young Regular Volunteer Habitat Commercial Opened Up New Way of Life for Volunteer She was watching television one night when Reba McIntire's familiar and comforting song, "I'm a Survivor," began to play as part of a commercial announcing Whirlpool's new campaign to donate appliances for Habitat for Humanity homes. "A Key, an ordinary house key; but to someone who's never had a home of their own before, a key is precious metal," Reba said. "It opens more than just a door, it opens up a whole new way of life…Everyone deserves a decent, affordable home, and together we can make it happen - one family at a time. Join us." After hearing Reba's inspiring words, Karla Young felt empowered to make a difference in her community. "That song and commercial stuck with me because I love country music," she said. "I wanted to work with a nonprofit that saw the bigger picture - an organization that didn't just give people fish, but actually taught them to fish for themselves." Working with Habitat for Humanity appealed to Karla because while they built homes for low-income families, the families didn't receive a free handout - they actually purchased their homes. However, Karla didn't know there was a local affiliate right in her own backyard. "I went online and did a search for Habitat for Humanity," she said. "I didn't know there was a local affiliate until then. When I found Peninsula Habitat for Humanity, I called the office and said I wanted to volunteer." Karla initially volunteered in the office helping to update volunteer and donor databases until she heard a staff member talking about needing construction volunteers for the next day. She asked about participating and spent the next day putting up drywall with a regular Habitat volunteer named John. "I liked the way he directed our group, encouraged us and made us responsible for our own tasks," Karla said. "I told him I'd be back the following Saturday, and I've been coming back ever since." Karla now volunteers at one of Peninsula Habitat for Humanity's construction sites every Saturday. She's also volunteered with the homeowner relations department, provided translation services and staffed several events including the Sunset Idea House project and the Foster City wine and art festival. "I've had the opportunity to not only build houses, but to also build relationships with the homeowners," she said. "I've volunteered at the meetings where homeowners receive information and training, and have worked side-by-side with them at the construction sites." Karla said what she really loves about volunteering is the people- the AmeriCorps members, the regular and day volunteers, the staff and the families. "I'm like a car and Peninsula Habitat for Humanity is my fuel," she said. "When I volunteer there's always a smiling face waiting for me. It gives me a sense of pride, like I'm a real part of this organization."