Meet CORE Construction Volunteer: Jim Ponto

Meet Jim Ponto, a CORE volunteer with Iowa Valley Habitat for Humanity's construction team. Jim has been a great addition to our CORE volunteers, and we are so glad that he volunteers with us! We recently caught up with Jim to discuss his experience volunteering with our organization.

What year did you start volunteering with IVHFH?
In the past 20 years or so, when I was working full-time, I volunteered a handful of times, primarily on Habitat builds sponsored by my church. Following retirement in 2020 (COVID at its peak), I started volunteering regularly (weekly) in April 2021.

What is your favorite memory with IVHFH?
There are so many favorite memories. Attending a dedication where joy is abundant. Getting the last final piece of siding installed. "Dad jokes" shared during break. The excitement of a young volunteer who used a pneumatic nail gun for the first time. But I guess my number one favorite memory is working with the Iowa Women's Basketball Team players and coaches in September 2023.

If you could give advice to any new volunteers or individuals who are on the fence about volunteering, what would you tell them?
There is so much personal satisfaction in working on a house that a deserving family will cherish. The construction managers are fantastic at teaching and then letting you get to work with whatever level of supervision you need. There is also strong social engagement. I have developed solid friendships with other regular volunteers and have enjoyed meeting and working with a wide variety of occasional volunteers.

What drives you to continue to volunteer with us?
I continue to really enjoy volunteering. Every day is something different. I am always learning new knowledge and skills regarding construction principles, practices, techniques, tools, and materials (some of which I have employed in my own house and my kids' houses). I really like the camaraderie and working together to achieve a goal. Volunteering helps me maintain the social, physical, emotional, and altruistic balance that many retirees strive to experience. It is also satisfying to see how much is accomplished in each work shift.

Is there anything else you would like to share?
My wife and I believe that helping ensure that every member of our community has adequate food, clothing, and shelter makes our community happier, safer, and more prosperous. Hence, we provide financial support and/or volunteer for local programs in the area of food (e.g., Free Lunch, Table to Table, produce gardens), clothing (e.g., annual winter clothing distribution), and shelter (e.g., Shelter House, Habitat). Volunteering at Habitat is not for everyone, but it has certainly been a great decision for me.

Thank you, Jim, for all of your hard work and dedication to not only Iowa Valley Habitat for Humanity, but also for all your work with the community! We are so thankful for the countless hours you have dedicated to our organization!!

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