Strengthening Communities: Meet Teri, a Thrifty Karaoke Singer with Deep Roots in Mounds View

AUTHORED BY COLE STERR

On Thursday, May 24, United Properties employees volunteered for Habitat for Humanity’s Age in Place Program – a program designed to support older low-income homeowners who wish to age peacefully in the comfort of their own homes. The Age in Place program provides services such as seasonal chores, yardwork, and other home modifications so that these homeowners can continue to live safely and affordably. United Properties employees were able to assist Teri, a thifty karaoke singer, and Amelia, a lifelong musician.

Getting to Know the Age in Place Recipients

Teri, a homeowner who discovered Habitat for Humanity’s Age in Place program last fall, was ecstatic to receive help to maintain her yard for the summer. Living in the same house for more than 50 years, Teri has undoubtedly created deep roots within the Twin Cities community. She worked as a school bus driver in the Blaine School District for nearly 30 years, a job she fell in love with due to the children she drove to school.

Teri had told us that in her spare time, she loves to sing karaoke at various VFWs, and “Walk Like an Egyptian” is her personal favorite karaoke song. She also loves to swim; never travelling outside of Minnesota before, Teri says it’s her dream to travel to the Wisconsin Dells and enjoy the waterslides there. An avid thrift shopper, she goes to a Goodwill Retail Store or other garage sales almost every day trying to find the best deals and additions to make her living space feel more like home.

As someone who doesn’t enjoy the indoors, Teri is extremely grateful for the help from Habitat for Humanity’s Age in Place Program. “It made my life so easy, worry free!” she explains. She currently lives in the house with her cat Sunny, and she says that her garden is her favorite thing about the house.

Amelia, who is about 90 years old, had also lived in her home for a large portion of her life – nearly 40 years. She was a lifelong musician, having played piano and organ in her church and attending the MacPhail Center for Music in Minneapolis. She also has two pianos in her house so that she can channel her musical outlet in the comfort of her own home.

The Impact of Volunteering

The United Properties employees have certainly helped contribute to the message of “strengthening communities” with the Age in Place volunteering program. By continuing to volunteer and assist those who are less able, United Properties can help people feel more at home by capitalizing on efforts that will directly transform and strengthen people’s lives for the better.