Carol Sherwood honored by governor for volunteer work

Carol Sherwood, a full-time executive director volunteer for Habitat for Humanity,

was honored earlier this month in Austin by Governor Rick Perry at the 22nd annual Governor's Volunteer Awards for excellence in volunteerism.

Sherwood, a 22-year resident of Laredo who has helped make a home for many in the community, was selected to receive the award from hundreds of statewide nominees. “I was totally surprised and felt very honored and humbled to receive such a high honor,” said Sherwood. “My work is a mission. I do what I do because I want to serve God.”

Her mission with Habitat for Humanity began in 1994 with a few volunteers and a determination to build simple, decent, and affordable homes for families in the 25 to 50 percent median income range.

Her determination to create positive change for families struggling with affordable housing has led to a larger vision of building an entire alternative community in which families earning as little as $7,200 per year can fulfill their dream of owning a home.

Her 50-hour work weeks include administrative duties, fundraising, home construction, committee meetings, family screenings, and house visits. Through her efforts all homeowner partners have thrived in their new environment and no family has been foreclosed.

“All each of us can do is use the one life we have to leave a lasting imprint on the world around us,” said Governor Perry at the award reception. “I am eternally grateful to the volunteers here tonight who are making the most of that opportunity, and changing Texas for the better, one life at a time.”

Among the personal goals Sherwood has for the coming year is increasing the number of volunteers. “I want people to have the opportunity to volunteer and to feel good about it,” she said.

Project Faith and Service, a house-building project for the Habitat, started earlier this month. “It is being sponsored by the local Rotary Club and The Episcopal Diocese of West Texas,” said Sherwood.

“Coming up in the fall we will begin our Congress Building America project,” she said. The project is designed to highlight the importance of volunteerism and provides an opportunity to bring the issue of affordable decent housing to the conscience of the nation. “It involves local representatives, and Representative Henry Cuellar will be involved in helping to build a house,” Sherwood said.