Kayla Brookins

I helped with designing a new display case for windows to help with the overflowing stock of new frames and panels in the store.

I assisted with building shelves from repurposed cabinet doors and for detaching door handles from display boards to be bought individually for functional use. I enjoyed brainstorming creative ideas for how to make products more visibly and physically accessible to customers.

I helped with unloading and prepping materials from a recent Salvage for customers in the shop. I learned how to use a nail remover gun and became more comfortable with power tools. I also learned more about structure of windows in the process of removing glass panels.

This experience reflected the saying “looks are deceiving” because I found that a lot of plants I admired were actually invade and harmful. I am glad that I was able to become more knowledgeable about identifying native plants on our campus.

At backpack beginnings, I had the opportunity to sort donated goods according to allegeries and dish category. Additionally, I helped with preparing and bagging foods for families in Guildford County. This process revealed to me the abundance of people needed to support such resources for others in my community and it inspired me to increase my involvement with non-profit organizations not only through donations, but also through volunteering my time and labor to be of assistance.

I enjoyed volunteering at Fairytale farms as I saw the intersectionality of architectural structure and animal welfare! For this service project, I assisted the organization in renovating their animal sanctuary to promote comfortable bonding between human visitors and their rescued shelter animals to potentially prepare them for adoption. I enjoyed the design aspect of painting the walls and clearing the rooms and I appreciate the greater meaning of providing a safe space for animals with trauma to rest in and regain their trust for humans. The Catalyst leaders, Nicole and Alan, were wonderful at organizing and directing us throughout our service and I recommend others to engage with an animal welfare project sometime!

I really enjoyed my experience as it was refreshing to work with nature and rewarding de knowing that my actions benefited the environment. I admire PeaceHaven farms for providing those with disabilities with jobs and resources throughout their adulthood. I would enjoy attending many more volunteer events more frequently:)