Volunteer Coordinator at Habitat ReStore in Newport News Appreciative of the Chance to Give Back
Mariya Clark believes so strongly in giving back to the community that she started her own nonprofit.
So, it’s only natural that when Clark spotted a posting to work at the Habitat for Humanity Peninsula and Greater Williamsburg ReStore in Newport News, she immediately applied.
Researching the ReStore’s mission spoke to Clark in a way no ordinary job had before. The store, located at 371 Chatham Drive in Newport News, funds the work of Habitat for Humanity Peninsula and Greater Williamsburg, which brings people together to build homes, communities and hope.
“I knew this was definitely a place where I could carry out my purpose,” Clark said. “I love coming here each and every day. It’s not a job that’s draining. It’s actually fun.”
Clark became the ReStore’s Volunteer Coordinator in November 2021. That means she’s in charge of recruiting new volunteers and volunteer groups and showing appreciation for those who give their time to keep ReStore operations running smoothly. The Newport News ReStore benefits from between 25 and 40 regular volunteers.
“The fact is our volunteers give their time when they could be doing anything else or be anywhere else,” Clark said. “I have a huge goal of showing them how much we appreciate them and all that they do.”
Clark’s mother, Danielle Devin, served in the Army and instilled in her daughter the importance of making an investment in your own community. Today, Clark is the mother of two sons, Jeffery and Josiah. Her nonprofit, @itgirlmovement on Instagram aims to motivate women to defeat life obstacles with confidence while remaining committed to God’s purpose.
“Through my nonprofit, I’m able to tell my story and embrace the fact that I’m a young mom and a hard worker,” she said. “I can connect and relate to other girls like myself.”
Clark traveled often as a kid. She didn’t realize how valuable living in so many different places would prove to be. Originally from Selma, North Carolina, Clark lived in Anniston, Alabama, for three years and in South Korea for almost four years. The family settled in Hampton when her mother was stationed at Fort Eustis in 2014.
“I’ve learned to work with people of all different backgrounds and ethnicities from traveling with my mom,” she said. “I love still being able to encounter that living in Virginia.”
The ReStore works with volunteers from every imaginable background to fit them in positions that align with what they like to do best. Some work in customer service or merchandising. Others use their unique talents to repair electronics or catalog books. Some stock shelves and unload trucks. Many help with displays and pricing.
Clark will find a place for you if you are interested in giving your time to a cause that’s close to home for all of us. Proceeds from Habitat ReStores return to the local community to build more homes for qualifying families to buy.
Contact Clark at mclark@habitatpwg.org or call her desk at 757-913-5664 to discuss volunteer opportunities.
