Extreme Teams Volunteer of the Month - March 2025
Ginger Gruber is the nominee for the inaugural “Extreme Teams Volunteer of the Month” award. As a member of the Survey Team, she uses her Spanish skills to communicate with residents and to schedule upcoming projects. Ginger is also a volunteer with the Good Neighbors program, in addition to subbing for the Supper Club deliveries when needed. Keep reading to hear more from Ginger about her volunteer experience with Extreme Community Makeover.
How long have you been on the Extreme Teams?
Ginger started volunteering with Extreme Community Makeover in 2013, after she retired from teaching Kindergarten and 1st grade in Denver Public Schools for many years.
Why did you decide to get involved in Extreme Community Makeover?
Ginger began volunteering with a group from her church. “I had volunteered I think two years in a row for an ECM Work Day and actually did the work and it felt like it was a worthwhile way to serve people and also be connected to the community.” When she was asked to join an Extreme Team, she knew she wanted to volunteer more. “It's valuable for me. And it's nice to be able to use my Spanish to be able to serve.” Ginger is a member of the Survey Team and uses her fluency in English and Spanish to communicate with residents during projects, in addition to identifying projects for future Work Days.
What is something unique that you have experienced during a Work Day?
Being on an Extreme Team is a unique volunteer experience. “I think unique for me is the camaraderie that I see among the ECM teams and the camaraderie that I experience. I like to do ECM things because I really like those people a lot.”
Individuals and group volunteers also get to build camaraderie, and Ginger loves to see that on Work Days. “So often the camaraderie that I see a group working on a project at a house, they're working and they're just having a good time together and that's really nice to see.”
In your perspective, how do you see Extreme Community Makeover making an impact in Denver neighborhoods?
“I can't remember who it was, one of the city councilmen at some event I was at, hearing them say the way you most impact what's happening in your city is by being a good neighbor. And I've taken that really to heart.” This year, Extreme Community Makeover’s motto is Be Kind, Do Good. Volunteers get to live this out by interacting with residents in Denver neighborhoods. “Look at the collective of people that have had a group of cheerful, fun, kind volunteers come to their house and do more work than they imagined would get done. That must feel really like one little piece of safety for them.” Extreme Community Makeover offers a reliable service to Denver neighborhoods which have historically been underserved by the community.
“The way you most impact what’s happening in your city is by being a good neighbor.”
Why do you think it is important / beneficial to volunteer?
“It's really a wonderful thing to be part of a team. I never was part of a team, I wasn't athletic. But to be part of the team, a well oiled machine, is really great. And for me just individually, I'm super invested. I am always so curious and wanting to know about the different volunteers. I think that impulse to want to serve beyond your day to day is a good one.”
Congratulations Ginger!
Congratulations to Ginger for being ECM’s first Extreme Teams Volunteer of the Month! Learn more about how you can also get involved in the Extreme Teams.
