Linda’s Story: Making a Difference with Road Scholar & Habitat for Humanity

When Linda Myers retired last year, the first item on her to do list was to do something special to help others less fortunate than herself. While browsing the Road Scholar website she found a Service Learning program with Habitat for Humanity to help rebuild homes devastated by Hurricane Katrina in Lafayette, La. The program started in March 2012 — just a month away — but she felt a sense of destiny and enrolled in her first program. 

A few weeks later, she and her husband Arthur drove from their home outside of Seattle, Wash to the deep south on the Gulf of Mexico. Once they arrived, they met the group and got to work right away, helping to rebuild two homes. 

“I learned how to use a nail gun and a power screwdriver,” Linda said. “The Road Scholar program was perfect for our activity level, and at the end of four days most of the roof was up on one house and we had also built three work tables.”  

In addition to the work part of the program, the group also enjoyed cultural events. They went to an accordion factory and were introduced to Cajun culture and history. 

“The Road Scholar program combined interesting people with an interesting educational experience,” Linda recalled. “We volunteer because giving back is a part of life. We relied on Road Scholar to make sure the tasks were appropriate for us and they were. Plus, we learned the ins and outs of construction.”

TakePart documented Linda’s story as a part of “Marigold Ideas for Good” campaign, a collaboration between Road Scholar, TakePart, Participant Media and Encore.org, for the film ‘The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel,’ which is focused on inspiring people over 50 like Linda who are making a difference in their communities and around the world.

Do you know inspiring people over 50 who are making a difference? Tell us in the comments section below or on our Facebook page.