It is 7:30 a.m. on Thursday, October 7, a beautiful fall day. Twelve motivated seniors climb aboard the shuttle, heading out for the first day of Park Tudor's Habitat for Humanity project to "rehab" an existing structure at 913 North Pershing. In the heart of the Haughville community, this house was once a brand new Habitat home about 30 years ago. As our volunteers arrive at the front porch, they see an abandoned, tired house in need of attention. They are about to begin a transformation, not only of the house but for the family that will live there. What will be the impact on these volunteers?

Work on this project has been going on for the past year. Juniors Beatrice Bowlby and Lily Erickson coordinated a mailing effort with Director of Development Doug Allen to ask for financial support from the Park Tudor community. They made presentations to school-related organizations and were supported generously by the PTPA, Booster Club and the Alumni Association. Treasurer John Davis helped keep track of donations and deposits. They have been able to raise about $20,000 and have learned marketing, communication and presentation skills in the process.

Now build coordinators Alexandra Klimek, Paul Miller and Claire O'Dell will be learning the organizational skills to recruit volunteers and get them on the road and to the build. They will be seeing firsthand the vision of the Great Places 2020 plan of the City of Indianapolis, a community development project to transform strategic places in Marion County neighborhoods into dynamic centers of culture, commerce and community.

From a wellness perspective, studies have shown that volunteering may be good for mental and physical health. A recent Harvard Health Publication noted that "studies have shown that volunteering helps people who donate their time feel more socially connected, thus warding off loneliness and depression." There is also evidence that volunteering can improve physical health, as well. A web search conducted by createthegood.org found that "there are over 19 million hits for articles on how doing good helps people lead better, healthier lives." Mental and physical health benefits include:

• Enjoying a sense of purpose and fulfillment...while increasing self-confidence
• Staying physically and mentally active. A Johns Hopkins University study released in 2009 revealed that volunteering actually improved brain functioning.
• Reducing stress levels
• Experiencing "The Happiness Effect" from the release of dopamine in the brain
• Living longer. A 2002 study of over 6,300 retired people over 65 found that those who volunteered had less than half the risk of dying when compared to non-volunteers.

The Harvard Health blog concluded:

The Greek philosopher Aristotle once surmised that the essence of life is 'To serve others and do good.' If recent research is any indication, serving others might also be the essence of good health."