This month we'd like to recognize Habitat for Humanity's involvement with the ExxonMobil Green Team.

Dallas Area Habitat for Humanity was one of eight nonprofit agencies to host an ExxonMobil Green Team this summer. While with Habitat for Humanity, the ExxonMobil Green Team worked to improve many of the organization's 'green' projects, such as:

• Homebuyer Education program: The Green Team assisted with the development of a 'green' component to be included in the agency's existing Homebuyer Education program. Green Team members compiled information for new homeowners on recycling, city services, green home products and practices, and efficient resource use.
  
  
• Campus chapter outreach: Working in conjunction with the Youth Program Assistant Coordinator, Green Team members created brochures to assist campus chapters in promoting the Cans for Habitat program and other 'green' fundraising projects.
  
  
• Cans for Habitat: The ExxonMobil Green Team developed public service announcements to increase awareness of the Cans for Habitat program on social networking sites.

During their internship, the Green Team also worked on the construction of a new home for Anson Bedford and his son.

About Dallas Area Habitat for Humanity

Dallas Area Habitat for Humanity is a Christian ministry that builds quality, affordable homes in partnership with deserving families.

Habitat's homeownership program is an innovative model that offers low-income families the opportunity to own a home with affordable 0% interest loans. Homes are financed by generous donations from community supporters and largely built by the partner Habitat family with thousands of dedicated volunteers each year. As the largest nonprofit homebuilder in the City of Dallas, Dallas Area Habitat has served over 700 low-income families with homeownership since 1986, investing over $50 million in 20 Dallas County neighborhoods to build new homes, neighborhoods and hope.

Green Team Background

The ExxonMobil Green Team provides a meaningful work experience for high school students from low- to moderate-income households. Students are placed with selected area nonprofits, where they work in teams on environmental and conservation projects. Students attend classes at Southern Methodist University (SMU) and on Fridays the Green Team participates in educational field trips and activities with an environmental focus. Students are paid for all time spent in the program.

ExxonMobil provided a grant of more than $189,000 to the Volunteer Center of North Texas to support the 2008 ExxonMobil Green Team. Since its launch in 1981, ExxonMobil has invested $6.1 million in the Dallas program, reaching 3,350 students and impacting the community through work with various local nonprofits and numerous park and neighborhood improvements.

Click here for more information on the ExxonMobil Green Team.

Testimonials

"This summer I've learned to not say 'no' and to do the job even if I don't feel like it. I've also learned to interact with a diverse group of people and I've come out of my shy stage just a tad bit, because when I'm asked to get up in front of everyone and speak I don't get nervous anymore."

Antreal Brown
Graduate, A. Maceo Smith High School
Texas Discovery Gardens

"I have always been introverted. I have always been shy and I have a tendency to keep to myself. This summer, this Green Team experience has taught me that I am capable of socializing with complete strangers. I have learned to push myself past my comfort zones and talk to people that I have never conversed with before. This summer has given me a chance to open up and make new friends."

Hannah Cook
Graduate, Bishop Dunne High School
Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Dallas

"Working for the City of Dallas/UNT has been an amazing experience. My favorite thing from this summer has been attending all the field trips. We toured the Dallas Water Treatment Plant and the waste water treatment plant. It was so eye opening to see how much work goes into cleaning the water. It is something that we take for granted but that I can no longer look at the same way."

Kristine Gonzales
Graduate, School for Gifted and Talented - Townview Magnet
City of Dallas Water Conservation Division/University of North Texas

"This summer, while working at the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Dallas, I learned that working in an environment with different age groups can be quite a challenge. I learned to be patient. Patience along with teamwork went a long way. My coworkers and I were in charge of teaching a science class to kids between the ages of 6 and 12. We weren't able to get their attention at first, but as the days went by, we progressed and succeeded in interacting with the kids creating a bond. It's definitely going to be tough to say goodbye to the kids."

Jessica Revilla
Graduate, Health Professions Magnet - Townview
Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Dallas

“My favorite moment has been the Wednesdays and Fridays. I like interacting with the rest of the Green Team. I like the team building and leadership activities we do at the Volunteer Center. The different classes have taught many different skills that I will be able to use after this program.”

Kordell Tezeno
Graduate, Duncanville High School
City of Dallas Water Conservation Division/University of North Texas

The ExxonMobil Green Team is proud to partner with the Volunteer Center of North Texas and Southern Methodist University.

The Volunteer Center of North Texas (VCNT), founded in 1971, is one of the largest and most active volunteer centers in the country. A primary purpose of VCNT is to recruit volunteers, including individuals, corporations and civic and faith-based groups, to serve nonprofits and their clients throughout the North Texas area. For more information, visit www.vcnt.org

A private university of 11,000 students near the center of Dallas, SMU offers strong undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs through seven schools - in the humanities and sciences; business; the performing, visual, and communication arts; engineering; education and human development; law; and theology.