Amanda Barbuto
  • Adolescence Social Studies Education
  • Class of 2017
  • Bethpage, NY

Amanda Barbuto Volunteers With Habitat For Humanity

2016 Mar 23

Amanda Barbuto of Bethpage, NY, and 11 other members of SUNY Oneonta's Habitat for Humanity club spent spring break (March 6-13) building houses in Punta Gorda, Florida.

The students worked closely with one of the Charlotte County Habitat for Humanity chapter's family partners to help build and raise the wooden framing for the exterior walls of one of the homes. On a second home, the group began construction on the interior walls, helped put up the exterior housewrap, and began some siding work. The club's adviser is Dr. Karen Joest of the Department of Human Ecology.

Barbuto, who is majoring in Adolescence Social Studies Education at SUNY Oneonta, said she gained valuable skills and made terrific memories on the trip, which was part of Habitat for Humanity International's Collegiate Challenge Program.

"My experience participating in Habitat for Humanity's collegiate challenge trip was unlike any other,” said Barbuto. “The site supervisors were so helpful and understanding! It was an empowering and rewarding experience to watch something I helped build transform throughout the week."