The Construction Volunteer
Mike Weisheit
When Mike retired after a 32-year management career in the industrial sector, he sought out a way to stay active and contribute in a meaningful way by serving others. He volunteered with several organizations but did not feel he was having enough of an impact on his community.
That changed in 2010. He was introduced by a friend to Habitat for Humanity of Fort Wayne and began volunteering after seeing the positive impact the organization has on the families it partners with. Since 2014, Mike has been a crew lead, responsible for instructing and overseeing volunteer teams as they perform various construction assignments.
“The mission of Habitat is to build homes, community and hope,” Mike said. “We build homes, not just houses. Our partner families enjoy a sense of community with volunteers and staff, but more importantly with other partner families as they help build each other’s homes. And most importantly, new homes provide a basis for a bright future for their families.”
He went on, “Hearing and seeing the stories of the partner families—of some of their early struggles with day-to-day living—and then seeing their hopes of a brighter future realized is a reward that is full payment for the hours we give. There is a real sense of satisfaction in being part of that process.”
What a life of significance and worth looks like to Mike:
“To me, it’s sharing God’s love by using whatever time and talents I have to enrich the lives of others.”