Every Friday, a group from Albertina Kerr’s Inclusive Day Services Paths to Community program volunteers at Habitat for Humanity’s ReStore. Wearing reflective vests, name tags, and work gloves, they help with daily tasks while building confidence and learning new skills. They also enjoy browsing for items they might use at home.
On this day, the group split into two teams. Heidi and Chonmin organized the Home and Garden area—cleaning shelves and arranging donated goods. Daniel, Heather, and Alvin sorted PVC pipes in the plumbing section, using problem-solving to determine where each piece belonged. 
Kerr Community Support Specialist Alejandra Nash says volunteering at ReStore gives the group a strong sense of purpose. They’re building skills, connecting with others, and contributing in meaningful ways. “Heidi is a great example,” Alejandra says. “Her confidence has grown, and she now helps customers on her own.”
Each task offers learning opportunities—identifying home improvement items or figuring out where out-of-place objects belong. Alejandra is always nearby to offer support and celebrate big and small wins, like the moment they found a desk lamp Alvin had been needing.
For the group, it’s not just volunteering—it’s a meaningful way to engage with the community.
ReStore Volunteer Coordinator Carol Glasgow says, “We wouldn’t survive without volunteers. This group is amazing—reliable, thoughtful, and engaged. Anyone who’s worked in retail knows how hard it is to keep things clean and organized. They help make it happen.”
Thanks to this ongoing partnership, everyone benefits: the store, the shoppers, and the individual’s building confidence and independence through hands-on community experiences.
PHOTOS:
Top (cover) Left to Right—Alejandra Nash, Alvin, Daniel, Heather, Carol Glasgow, Chonmin, and Heidi volunteering at ReStore.
Collage – Top Right —Left to Right—Alejandra, Alvin, Daniel, and Heather admiring Alvin’s new desk lamp.
Collage – Left Column—Heather and Daniel work in the Plumbing section; Heather, Alejandra and Daniel discuss sorting; Alvin and Daniel sort PVC pipes
Collage – Bottom—Alvin organizing plumbing parts; Chonmin cleaning shelves; Chonmin examining item; Chonmin and Heidi choosing where to place item.