Sullivan is an intern at Habitat for Humanity Lansing. After working 36 hours per week and juggling an online class, Sullivan gives the rest of her time to Habitat for Humanity.
“Before I started volunteering and then interning with them, I didn’t even know that they just rehabilitate houses in Lansing for families and not just build them,” Sullivan said. “It’s so much more than just swinging a hammer.”
On the construction site, Sullivan contributes by taking pictures, making donor signs, giving out pies and interacting with volunteers and the family.
Development Director of Habitat for Humanity Lansing Patrick Diehl is Sullivan’s manager. He said Sullivan is energetic, committed, charming and dedicated.
“She actually even secured some food donations for our Home Builder’s Blitz this year from her other employer, Grand Traverse Pie Company,” Diehl said. “So she’s been real helpful to us in a lot of ways.”
Sullivan said she interviewed with other internships that offered to pay her, but she felt that Habitat for Humanity was ten times better.
“You get paid in a way that money can’t buy ... if you give a little bit you’ll be amazed at how much you can get back,” Sullivan said.
Sullivan said she usually goes into the office once a week and does the rest of her work from home. Her role as the Habitat for Humanity Lansing intern is handling their social media, graphics and flyers.
Diehl said that Sullivan has been with them for a short while, but has already helped out a lot.
“She’s got fantastic energy and she’s creative. She handles our social media for us, actually generating posts using her imagination and her knowledge of our organization,” Diehl said.
One particular home Habitat for Humanity Lansing is working on as part of the blitz is one that is wheelchair accessible for a family that has two children with cerebral palsy.
Owner of Evert Construction Ray Evert said it is very satisfying to be able to help the family.
“I’ve been blessed as far as a construction company and it’s just good to be able to give back,” Evert said.
Dave Kelley, a volunteer from Mudman Drywall, also pitched in to help with the blitz.
“When you get an opportunity to do something like this, you can’t refuse to do it, because it’s just the right thing to do,” Kelley said.
