Serve to Preserve.
Hands-On Athens aims to create a coalition of organizations dedicated to assisting low-income Athens Clarke County homeowners in historic neighborhoods to maintain, repair, and restore their properties as part of overall neighborhood revitalization. This refreshing and satisfactory work helps to support many deserving homeowners, many of whom are elderly and/or handicapped. Restoration of neighborhood pride and improved quality of life are the very tangible results of the program. Serve UGA has been partnering with Hands-On Athens since the Fall of 2017!
What does Service at Hands-On Athens Look Like?
At Hands-On common volunteer service days involve: floor and ceiling repair, minor plumbing, yard clean-up, and painting. Though this may seem like previous experience is needed to volunteer, NO HOME REPAIR SKILLS ARE NECESSARY! All materials will be provided at the site. |
Meet the Community Partner:Mrs. Graichen is the Hands-On Athens Coordinator, in which she leads and facilitates the home repair for low-to-moderate-income homeowners living in historic homes. She got interested because she studied Historic Preservation in school, and "this job is a great blend of history, architecture, and community support and engagement," she states. Moreover, Hands-On Athens is 20 years old, but has grown A LOT in the last few years. With additional grant funding and community partners, Hands on Athens could increase its mission 5-fold in 5 years. Further Jody says that, "all students should volunteer with HOA as it provides a great opportunity for small groups to volunteer together, mostly on projects related to yard clean-up, painting, or porch repair. No home-repair skills necessary, and nothing too tough!"
Fun Fact: "I am from NJ...the funnest state of all!" Contact: jody@historicathens.com |
Meet the Site Leaders!
max white Major: Economics and Geography Why did you join Serve UGA? "With how much the University of Georgia benefits from the resources provided by the Athens-Clarke County community, I think we students have a duty to give back to the community through service. And what better way to serve than to join Serve?" Fun Fact: I worked as a blacksmith with my dad for three years because of the Percy Jackson books! Contact: mbw19473@uga.edu |
marina badir Major: Genetics Major, Comparative Literature Minor Why did you join Serve UGA? "I joined Serve in order to form a close, sustainable relationship with an Athens-based service organization (the cool people are an added bonus)!" Fun Fact: I've been inside the Great Pyramid of Giza! Contact: mcb16950@uga.edu |