Alumni Spotlight
Sarrah Worthington Evans '04
Keys to the City
What got you interested in working with non-profits?
My experience as a Bonner Scholar and working at the Boys & Girls Club of Wayne County.
Sarrah Worthington Evans '04 with her son.
Tell us about your current position?
I work as a Family Services Director at New Orleans Area Habitat for Humanity. I do the family selection and family support. So that means I qualify the families that purchase our homes and make sure they have met their requirements of “sweat equity” and “escrow” and have received the proper homeowner education classes — so they can become successful independent homeowners.
What’s the most satisfying thing about your work?
I love giving homeowners keys. Another aspect of my job is that I have to deny nine out of every 10 applicants. Many applicants have credit issues or other hurdles that cause them to be denied from the program. Clients that resolve credit issues or overcome significant hurdles to get into the program are my inspiration. These are people who attain their goals because of hard work and sacrifice. They make a better life for their families and their community with courage and tenacity.
What’s your biggest challenge?
Hurricane Katrina. I could write a novel on the challenges Hurricane Katrina presented. I have worked at the affiliate for almost five years now. Experiencing the various stages of recovery has been a dynamic learning experience. The challenges of Hurricane Katrina affect every aspect of building houses for low-income families … from applicants losing required documentation for loan paperwork, to navigating the permitting process at city hall to the living situations of our homeowners. We have undertaken many large building projects like the “Musicians’ Village” and the “Jimmy & Rosalyn Work Project” – these large projects are invigorating but in a recovery environment come with additional challenges.
What’s your idea of a great day off?
Day off? Go to a local festival with my friends and family.
Tell us a favorite Earlham story?
I have so many bright memories from Earlham. I lived at Miller Farm for most of my time at Earlham — so many Farm Days, Farm Aids, and candle lit dinners on “energy conservation” Sundays with all of my “Agarchy” housemates scroll through my memory.
What’s something your classmates might be surprised to know about you?
I have a son, named Idris Soke. He is the light of my life.
What does the future hold for you?
If the stars line up right – I may go back to school to pursue a “Career Alternative” Bachelor of Science in Nursing in the fall. If not, keep working at Habitat and enjoy the vibrant city of New Orleans in the company of my significant other and our beautiful son.
— Interview by Jonathan Graham
Earlhamite Editor
(Posted January 27, 2009)
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Page updated: January 27, 2009