ADRIAN, MICH.  – “We don’t give a handout, we give a hand up.” Renee Bracey said explaining when describing what Siena Heights University’s (SHU) campus chapter of Habitat for Humanity does.

Bracey said that being involved in the campus chapter means belonging to a Christian organization that helps families. Last year, the leaders of the group graduated. Bracey, the advisor of the Habitat for Humanity campus chapter, needed new leaders to take over and continue this group. Keegan Pabst, a freshman, heard about the opportunity and jumped in.

“I have a passion for serving others. My life goal is to do non-profit work,” Pabst said. She is now the president of this group.

As the organization’s adviser Bracey also has a passion for service. “I wanted to make a difference not only with Habitat, but within my campus as well.” Bracey noted. She has been involved with Habitat for many years and has served on the board for the last five years.

Joining Habitat for Humanity is a project that not only helps others but helps students develop new skill sets.“You’re going to learn life-long skills,” Bracey explained.  Before joining Habitat Bracey didn’t know how to use a hammer properly – one of the many life skills she’s picked up through service..

Habitat not only teaches like skills Bracey explained but the experience is tangible. Habitat for Humanity of Lenawee County’s main goal this year is working on neighborhood revitalization in the Adrian community. This means that students and interested volunteers will be able to see the differences they make, as they drive by houses that they worked on. Bracey said that this year’s main goal for the campus chapter is all about re-building the group.

However, she and Pabst are both looking for more interested students. Bracey said any students are welcome to join. She wants people to know that they can come and help work on just one project. Students who participate will not only gain useful skills, but they are also helping someone accomplish a dream that they had of being able to own a house.

“It’s a wonderful feeling to see the smile on somebody’s face when they’re given the keys to their home.” If anyone is interested in helping out with this group, either contact Renee Bracey or Keegan Pabst. “It’s a great opportunity to serve others while having fun and getting to know people that you otherwise might not have known,” Pabst noted.