Local chapter sponsors Habitat for Humanity home

Thanks to the efforts of of members of the Newburgh (N.Y.) Teachers' Association, a Newburgh family has a place to call home. The NTA teamed up with Habitat for Humanity of Greater Newburgh to sponsor the renovation of a home for a family whose children are enrolled in the 12,000-student school district.

The plan began in 2004 when Anne Vollmer, a retired member of the NTA and a Habitat for Humanity board member, approached the union about sponsoring a house renovation. NTA members passed a resolution to fund the project with donations provided through paycheck deductions. In three years, the 2,000-member union raised $50,000. This past November, work on the NTA house was completed and the family moved in.

"I'm very proud of our members," says Philip Cordella, NTA president. "Their donations helped to see this project through."

Providing a stable home for a family helps teachers in their jobs, Cordella explains, because it provides the solid foundation that makes children come to school ready to learn.

"I think the membership was able to see the connection between our mission and building this home," he adds.

Vollmer says the partnership was a "perfect marriage of what we try to do in the classroom: help kids be all they can be so they can do better in school."

Other union locals can easily replicate the steps the Newburgh affiliate took, points out Vollmer. "Teachers love to help families and communities. I hope that teachers unions around the country will see the value in what the NTA has done and try to do what we did."