“I love having people around all of the time to hang out with and to get involved in community events.” – Ben Graber
Benjamin Graber comes to Pittsburgh from Plain City, OH, with a stop at Otterbein University where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Physics. During his college years, he studied abroad in Chile and Argentina. Benjamin was active in the Otterbein Christian Fellowship, Ottertuned (A Capella Choir), and Habitat for Humanity. He has explored his passion for environmental issues by interning in the energy industry and working on a farm. You might find Benjamin at the theater or playing sports. He is serving at East Liberty Development, Inc. (ELDI).
Kristen Hochreiter: What do you enjoy most about your nonprofit partnership?
Ben Graber: I enjoy how much I am learning about East Liberty both historically and today through my nonprofit partnership at ELDI. Also, I have been learning about the housing market and affordable mixed-income housing.
Kristen: What surprised you most about Pittsburgh?
Ben: Learning about the history of East Liberty and how it had changed dramatically from a very affluent place to a place that was considered hopeless. And now it is being redeveloped once again. I never would have guessed that independently.
Kristen: What do you love about Pittsburgh?
Ben: I love how Pittsburgh offers big city opportunities with a smaller town feel.
Kristen: What have you enjoyed the most about living in community?
Ben: I love having people around all of the time to hang out with and to get involved in community events.
Kristen: What is your favorite “family meal” recipe for the house?
Ben: Probably the Chicken Tikka Masala, but it is literally so hard to choose.
Story by PULSE Participant Kristen Hochreiter.
Read more Participant Stories from Fellows about their experience in PULSE. If you would like to learn more about the PULSE program, please visit our Serve with Us page.
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