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Americus, Ga. Service Most volunteers work for Habitat for Humanity International, a nonprofit, ecumenical Christian housing ministry that builds houses in partnership with people in need of simple, decent shelter. Positions are available in construction, day care, human resources, environmental resources, computer services, legal, development, graphic arts, administration and many other areas. Efforts are made to match an applicant’s skills, interests and educational background with an appropriate position. MVSers have also served at other locations in the community including HeadStart and Koinonia Farm, as well as in youth ministries. A number of the MVSers serving in Americus come through Christliche Dienste, a German Mennonite volunteer placement agency.
Americus, population 18,000, is the county seat for Sumter County, with its own population of 30,000. It is located in the deep South--surrounded by peanut fields, cotton fields and pecan groves--and in the heart of the “Bible belt.” Sumter County alone has more than 100 churches. The population is about 50 percent African American and 50 percent white, with a growing Latino migrant population. As in many U.S. communities, racial and economic inequalities are a present reality. There are many economic and educational needs in Sumter County. Unfortunately, it also has one of the highest teen pregnancy rates in the nation. There are numerous small businesses in town, and corporations such as Textron and Cooper Lighting have manufacturing plants nearby. Sumter Regional Hospital serves the medical needs for multiple nearby counties. Georgia Southwestern University (alma mater of former U.S. president Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter) offers both undergraduate and graduate programs. The university, Rylander Theatre and Sumter Players bring cultural events to Americus and provide opportunities to be involved in theater. During the 1990s, the area experienced substantial growth in business and tourism as people came to visit the Jimmy Carter sites in nearby Plains, Ga. Americus is a four-season area, although winters are short and mild. Summers are hot and humid. Fall and spring are the most enjoyable seasons, with lower humidity and lots of sunshine. Flowers bloom year round. Unit The MVS unit house is one of more than 30 volunteer houses owned by Habitat for Humanity. And, as with all Habitat volunteer houses in Americus, it has a unique foreign language name. The MVS house is called Totonga, which means “we build” in Swahili. It is located within walking distance of downtown Americus, Habitat for Humanity International, a supermarket, restaurants, stores and recreation areas. Totonga is a two-story house that accommodates five to seven volunteers. There is a large kitchen/dining area, two living rooms, four bedrooms, two baths and a screened-in porch. The upstairs area can be used as an apartment for a married couple. MVSers share in the cooking and cleaning responsibilities of community life in the household. The MVS unit is part of the larger Habitat volunteer community. Typically, about 100 volunteers from around the world serve with Habitat in Americus at any given time. There are many opportunities to meet new people through potluck dinners and recreational activities such as soccer, volleyball and Ultimate® Frisbee®. Church Through the years, the Fellowship has become a home-away-from-home to many people. It has always enjoyed a close relationship with the voluntary service unit. The Fellowship has an average attendance of 30–40 adults, many of whom are involved with Habitat for Humanity. Several members are former MVSers who either stayed or returned to Americus after their terms to make Americus their permanent home. All MVSers are expected to worship with Americus Mennonite Fellowship during their time in Americus. MVSers are welcome to share their talents with the church if they choose to do so. The Fellowship provides many ways to get involved in the community, including soup kitchens, youth group activities, community-wide church services and a growing Victim Offender Services and mediation program. The fellowship supports a VOS director who works directly with both inmates and victims through mediation efforts and substance abuse classes.
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