NYCC Student Volunteers Help Build Home for Local Family with Habitat for Humanity

More than 40 New York Chiropractic College (NYCC) students volunteered with Habitat for Humanity of Seneca County recently, working alongside a mother of seven to build her family's new home.

"It was great seeing her there doing work herself, it really motivated us to work that much harder," said Kellee Leonard (D.C. '20), who was also working with fellow students Maryam Milanian (D.C. '20) and Sharmin Sultana-Satta (D.C. '20).

Habitat for Humanity of Seneca County partners with people in the community to help build or renovate existing homes to create affordable housing. The soon-to-be-new homeowners work alongside volunteers to help build their own homes, which upon completion are then sold to them at an affordable mortgage.

"We look forward to NYCC Student Work Days," said AnnMarie, Board Secretary for Habitat for Humanity of Seneca County. "It's evident that they're hardworking individuals, not just when it comes to their studies, but community involvement as well."

A global nonprofit housing organization working in local communities across all 50 states in the U.S., Habitat for Humanity has long been a favorite organization of NYCC students looking to volunteer.

During their recent Saturday work session NYCC students replaced windows in the upstairs level of the house -- taking the old windows out and replacing all of the border woodwork.

"The house we worked on was on Bayard street, so we'll be able to pass the house each time we go into town and watch it progress. It was hard work," Kellee said, adding that she didn't have any prior construction experience. Still, she didn't let that slow her down. "Sharmin had a bit of experience, so we followed her lead."

Sixth trimester students are required to do 5 hours of community service and write a paper to reflect on their time spent volunteering.