MELANIE HECKLER

I loved this job! I worked in the kitchen, assisting with meal preparation, set-up before service, and cleaning up after. I greeted people as they came in, and set them up with their trays and silverware. I worked on the serving line, dishing up food, and joking with the guests.

Sometimes I would bus tables, and assist our guests with disposal of trays at the end of their meals.

I loved working on a team with the other volunteers, while meeting some of the basic needs of the people in my community.

I found the guests intriguing and would often sit with them and listen to their colorful stories. I learned so much about gratitude, compassion, and the strength of the human spirit in that place.

They were some of my very first friends upon moving to the Greater Cincinnati area.

I worked for Cob Cottage Company during the 2002 building season.

The school is geared towards permaculture design, and hosts multi week courses in natural building with Cob and strawbale.

I was the point of contact, welcoming students arriving at the site, showing them around the grounds, and introducing them to faculty.

I also ran the outdoor kitchen, preparing food, and serving the diverse community of students..

I studied natural plasters, along with sustainable building techniques, gray water systems, composting, and permaculture design.

At the end of the building season I was asked to stay and be the winter caretaker of the school, and happily obliged.

• Helped with home management tasks, meal preparation, grocery shopping, and routine cleaning.
• Kept clients engaged in social networks and communities for personal health and growth.
• Assisted clients with daily living needs to maintain self-esteem and general wellness.
• Assisted disabled clients to support independence and well-being.
• Maintained clean, safe, and well-organized patient environment.
• Encouraged and supported clients to participate in recreational and leisure activities to promote social interactions and reduce loneliness.
• Assisted with crisis intervention to de-escalate challenging behavior and maintain peaceful encounters.